Over 200 Prisoners Flee Malir Jail Amid Earthquake in Karachi; 80 Recaptured, 1 Dead, 3 Injured

Karachi: During earthquake tremors on Monday night, over 200 prisoners fled Malir Jail.

According to reports, more than 80 of these fugitives have since been re-arrested. The escape resulted in one inmate’s death and injuries to three others.

Jail officials stated that prisoners were temporarily moved out of their barracks as a safety measure due to the earthquake. During this time, unrest broke out among the inmates. They allegedly assaulted prison staff and broke open the main gate. DIG Prisons Hassan Sahito confirmed that a search operation has been completed and that the jail is now under the control of police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps.

Authorities have launched efforts to locate the remaining escapees, including announcements in local mosques asking the public to assist in identifying and reporting fugitives.

Casualties & Injuries Reported

According to Malir Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, more than 600 prisoners from Circles 4 and 5 were outside the barracks when the chaos began. Of the 216 who fled, 80 have been brought back into custody. The search continues for 135 inmates. Additionally, two FC and two police personnel sustained injuries and were taken to Jinnah Hospital for treatment.

Sindh Home Minister Assesses Situation

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar visited the jail to review the incident. Speaking to the media, he clarified that the jail walls remained intact and that the inmates exited through the gate. He noted that the escaped inmates were not involved in serious crimes and admitted the possibility of internal shortcomings.

IG Sindh Orders Investigation

Inspector General of Police Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, said most inmates at Malir Jail are drug offenders, many of whom have psychological conditions. He commended the swift action taken by police and Rangers and assured that escaped prisoners are usually recaptured quickly. He announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee comprising police and other officials to investigate the incident, promising strict action against any officers found negligent or complicit.

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