In a dramatic turn of events on Monday night, 216 inmates managed to escape from Karachi’s District Jail Malir, widely known as “Bacha Jail.”
According to police and prison officials, the breakout happened amid confusion caused by a series of tremors in the area. A large number of inmates, already outside their cells due to internal jail protocols, exploited the chaos, overpowering the prison staff in a violent confrontation.
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Gunfire was heard both inside and outside the prison, alarming residents of nearby areas. Authorities temporarily shut down key routes, including the National Highway, as police and Rangers secured the vicinity.
SSP Malir Kashif Aftab Abbasi said law enforcement arrived swiftly, sealing nearby neighborhoods, roads, and villages. Public announcements were made through local mosques, urging citizens to help locate the fugitives.
High-ranking officials including DIG Jail Hassan Sahetu and Sindh Rangers DG Major General Muhammad Shamrez visited the facility to assess the situation and review security measures.
Prison in Chaos
Over 600 inmates from Circles No. 4 and 5 were reportedly outside their barracks when the tremors hit. The resulting confusion quickly escalated into a full-blown riot. Authorities described the situation as a “battlefield,” and resorted to gunfire to restore order.
At least five security personnel — including two from the Frontier Corps — were injured during the clash, while one inmate was killed and three others wounded. The injured were transported to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for treatment.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari visited the jail on Tuesday and confirmed that no walls were broken during the escape. He attributed the incident to mismanagement, with over 800 inmates being outside their cells at the time, and called it a significant security failure.
Ongoing Search Operations
By Tuesday morning, over 80 escapees had been recaptured during raids in areas like Sukhna and Kohi Goth. Authorities launched a citywide manhunt, tightening surveillance at bus stands, railway stations, and key city exits. Nine alleged accomplices were also taken into custody.
FIRs have been registered against the escaped inmates for jailbreak and attacking law enforcement officers. In a rare development, one mother voluntarily returned her escaped son to the prison.
Inquiry and Accountability
An initial investigation revealed major flaws in jail administration and internal security. The Sindh Home Minister has demanded a full report from the Inspector General of Prisons and vowed strict action against those found negligent.
Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah noted that Malir Jail houses around 6,000 inmates. A headcount is in progress to determine how many prisoners remain unaccounted for.
While authorities now have the situation under control, the incident has exposed severe vulnerabilities in the prison’s security framework, prompting urgent calls for reform.
