Over 200 inmates escape Malir Jail amid earthquake chaos

• Jail housed over 6,000 inmates, say officials.
• Raids ongoing at homes of escapees.
• Committee to probe jail staff negligence.
  

KARACHI: At least 216 inmates escaped from Karachi’s Malir Jail during the earthquake-related evacuation, Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah said in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Speaking to the media, he confirmed that over 80 prisoners — who escaped on Monday night — have since been recaptured, while a search operation is underway for the remaining fugitives.

Superintendent Shah said the jailbreak occurred when inmates from Circle No 4 and 5 were taken out of their barracks as a safety precaution during the tremors.

“More than 600 prisoners were outside their cells at the time. Amid the chaos, 216 managed to flee,” he told reporters. He added that over 135 prisoners remain at large, and search efforts are ongoing.

Sindh’s home minister, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, described the situation as one of the most serious jailbreaks in recent years.

Speaking in the early hours of Tuesday, he said the escape took place when between 700 to 1,000 prisoners gathered near the main gate following the evacuation. He stated that nearly 100 inmates forced open the gate and fled.

“About 46 have been caught, and we expect the rest will be rearrested soon,” he said.

The minister said that all escaped inmates have been identified, and targeted raids are underway at their residences and adjoining areas. He confirmed the chief minister had been briefed and had directed him to visit the prison personally.

Lanjar added that while initial reports suggested structural damage, it was later confirmed that the escape occurred through the main gate and not due to any wall collapse.

He also hinted at potential staff negligence and said an inquiry committee comprising officers from police and other agencies would be formed. “Strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible,” the home minister said.

Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, who also visited the jail, told the media that Malir Jail houses a large number of inmates involved in drug-related cases, many of whom suffer from psychological issues.

“Such individuals are usually easy to track and recapture,” he said, praising police and Rangers for their swift response. He ruled out a premeditated plan behind the escape and assured a high-level investigation would follow.

Rescue and jail officials reported that three Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staffer were injured during the chaos, and one inmate reportedly died.

A joint operation involving police, Rangers, Frontier Corps, the Special Security Unit (SSU), and the Rapid Response Force (RRF) was launched to track the escapees. Law enforcement later took full control of the jail.

Sindh Prisons Minister Ali Hassan and IG Prisons Qazi Nazir also visited the facility. The jail administration said Malir Jail housed 6,022 inmates at the time of the incident, and that cases would be registered against all escapees under the law.

One of the recaptured prisoners, Siraj, spoke to the media and claimed that a tremor triggered panic inside the jail. “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,” he said.