Over 200 Inmates Escape Karachi Jail Amid Earthquake Panic

A major security crisis unfolded at Karachi’s Malir Jail as over 213 prisoners escaped following an earthquake-related evacuation, officials confirmed on Tuesday. Authorities have since launched a large-scale manhunt to recapture the fugitives.

The jailbreak occurred when inmates from Circles No 4 and 5 were temporarily evacuated from their cells as a precaution during tremors. According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, “More than 600 prisoners were outside their cells at the time. Amid the chaos, 213 managed to flee.”

During the incident, one prisoner was killed and several security officials were injured. So far, around 80 escapees have been recaptured, while more than 130 remain missing.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar called the event one of the “most serious jailbreaks in recent years.” He explained that 700 to 1,000 inmates had moved towards the main gate, with nearly 100 managing to break through. “About 46 have been caught, and we expect the rest will be rearrested soon,” he said.

Lanjar clarified that the jailbreak was not due to a structural failure. “The escape occurred through the main gate and not due to any wall collapse,” he added. He also hinted at staff negligence and announced an inquiry committee, vowing disciplinary action.

Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon stated that many of the inmates were involved in drug-related offenses and had psychological issues, which would aid in their recapture. He dismissed the possibility of a preplanned escape and praised law enforcement’s swift reaction.

During the escape, inmates assaulted guards. Frontier Corps officers attempted to intervene with batons and aerial firing but were overpowered. Three FC personnel and one jail officer were injured.

The joint operation now involves police, Rangers, FC, SSU, and RRF, with full control of the prison restored. However, the IT room was vandalized, compromising prisoner records, and several rooms inside were damaged, showing bullet marks and destruction.

Families of the prisoners gathered outside seeking information, prompting authorities to release a list of fugitives. Meanwhile, security around Shah Latif Town, Quaidabad, and nearby slums has been increased, though a lack of adequate personnel and checkpoints remains an issue.

The jail reportedly houses around 6,022 inmates.

A recaptured prisoner, Siraj, said: “When the quake hit, everyone started breaking the gates. Many ran off. I was arrested in a weapons case and went into hiding after escaping.”

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah criticized the decision to evacuate inmates. “Although nothing of the sort is good, I’m a student of engineering, and if there are repeated earthquakes, it means that there won’t be a major earthquake,” he said. He also issued a stern warning to escapees: “They should surrender, otherwise, they would face harsher sentences as most of those who had fled were involved in minor crimes.”