ISLAMABAD: Over 200 inmates escaped from Malir District Prison in Karachi late Monday night following an earthquake tremor that forced prison authorities to bring prisoners out of their cells for counting.
Sindh Inspector General of Police (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon confirmed on Tuesday that 78 escapees have been recaptured while police continue efforts to arrest the remaining 138.
One prisoner was reportedly shot dead during the recapture operation.
How the Escape Unfolded
The jailbreak occurred when an earthquake caused the jail administration to bring approximately 2,000 prisoners out of their barracks around 12:45 a.m.
Most of the inmates were reportedly drug addicts, whose volatile state contributed to the formation of a mob. Exploiting the chaotic situation, the prisoners forced open the jail door and fled.
Law enforcement personnel, including Frontier Corps (FC), responded with massive aerial firing—estimated at 700 rounds—to contain the breakout. Despite their efforts, 213 prisoners managed to escape. The police launched an intensive operation involving multiple teams and have already recaptured 78 prisoners, with two others injured and one dead during the clash.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced the removal of the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of prisons, with new appointments imminent. An inquiry committee will be formed to investigate the lapses leading to the escape.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah labeled the incident “alarming” and criticized the decision to allow prisoners outside their cells amid the earthquake tremors. He emphasized that most escapees were involved in petty crimes and assured the public that no major terrorist was among them.
Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar called for the use of all available technical and intelligence resources to swiftly apprehend the absconding prisoners. He stressed constant monitoring of vulnerable areas like hotels and suburban districts and mandated regular briefings for police officials on the progress of the manhunt.
The incident has raised serious concerns about prison security and crisis management during emergencies, with authorities vowing strict action and improved measures moving forward.
