Attock Bridge clash, eight arrested as Police book 250 protesters

LAHORE/ATTOCK: Police have arrested eight suspects and registered a case against around 250 identified and unidentified protesters following a clash at Attock Bridge, where demonstrators allegedly removed government-installed security barriers and threw them into the River Indus.

According to police officials and the FIR reviewed by Minute Mirror, the incident occurred on November 26 at the strategically important Attock Bridge on the Grand Trunk Road, which connects Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Police said between 200 and 250 protesters gathered near the bridge checkpoint and attempted to cross the sealed area. Officials allege that some members of the crowd attacked the security cordon, removed heavy metal plates fitted with sharp spikes and threw the barriers into the Indus.

The barriers had reportedly been installed to prevent vehicles from forcibly entering the restricted area.

Police registered a case under provisions relating to unlawful assembly, rioting, obstruction of public servants, damage to government property, criminal intimidation and disorder.

An Attock police official said eight suspects were arrested after investigators identified them through video footage and other digital evidence. Police said they were among those allegedly involved in removing the barriers.

Digital Evidence Leads to Arrests

Investigators said some individuals recorded videos of the incident and later uploaded footage on social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook.

According to a senior investigation officer, police used the available footage, facial-recognition technology and mobile-phone tracing to identify suspects. Raids were subsequently conducted in Aman Garh in Nowshera and adjoining areas of Attock.

Police said further arrests are expected, with a list of additional suspects reportedly prepared following analysis of the available footage.

Suspects Record Apology Videos

Minute Mirror reported obtaining two video statements recorded while the arrested suspects were in police custody.

In one video, Adnan, son of Abdul Hameed Sabri of Aman Garh, Nowshera, apologised for his actions at Attock Bridge and urged others to avoid similar incidents.

Another suspect, Khalid Khan, son of Ameerzada, also acknowledged interfering with official work at Attock Chowk and appealed to people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

Police said the suspects had apologised and pledged not to repeat the alleged actions.

Search Underway in River Indus

A joint operation involving police and Rescue 1122 is underway in the River Indus to locate and recover the metal barriers allegedly thrown from the bridge.

Officials said the strong current and depth of the river are making the recovery operation difficult. Police consider the barriers case property and want them recovered as part of the investigation.

The eight arrested suspects are currently on physical remand, according to officials. Police have also opposed bail, citing the alleged damage to government property and the security implications of the incident.

Security Tightened at Attock Bridge

Following the clash, authorities have strengthened security around the bridge. New and heavier welded spike barriers have reportedly been installed, while additional personnel from Punjab Police, the Elite Force and the district administration have been deployed.

Attock Bridge, built in 1883 over the River Indus, is a key transport link between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and forms part of the historic Grand Trunk Road. Any prolonged blockade can disrupt inter-provincial traffic, freight movement and regional connectivity.

Police officials said the investigation remains ongoing and that further action will be taken against individuals identified as having participated in the alleged vandalism or obstruction.

Authorities have also urged the public to avoid damaging government property or interfering with official duties while the investigation continues.