KARACHI – A major security breach was witnessed in Karachi late Monday night when tremors led to chaos at Malir Jail, resulting in the escape of over 200 inmates.
Jail officials, the prisoners were temporarily moved outside the barracks for safety during the earthquake. However, tensions escalated when the prisoners started assaulting guards and snatched weapons from them.
DIG Prisons Karachi confirmed 216 inmates managed to flee in the jailbreak due to disturbance. As of now, 80 have been recaptured from surrounding areas, while more than 135 remain at large.
Authorities report that the situation inside the jail is under control after joint forces of police, FC, and Rangers conducted a full sweep.
During the violence, one inmate was killed, and several others were injured, including five security personnel.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Sindh’s Home Minister noted the escape occurred through the main gate, not a broken wall, and promised swift action and accountability.
The Sindh home minister said 6,000 inmates are present in the jail and admitted that there may have been negligence in the incident. He added that determining the reasons will take some time.
He added that Rangers, Police, and FC have taken control of Malir Jail and the remaining escapees will soon be re-arrested.
Meanwhile, Sindh Jail Minister Ali Hassan Zardari has demanded a report from the IG and DIG Prisons and ordered the area to be cordoned off.
He instructed that all escapees must be arrested and that any officers found negligent will be identified and held accountable.
