KARACHI: A major security lapse occurred at Karachi’s Malir Jail on Monday when 45 to 50 inmates managed to escape during the temporary evacuation prompted by earthquake tremors, according to Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar.
Authorities stated that prisoners were moved out of their barracks as a precaution during the tremors. However, during the disruption, around 700 to 1,000 inmates gathered near the jail’s main gate. Amid the confusion, nearly 100 inmates forced the gate open and fled.
The Home Minister confirmed that 46 escapees have been recaptured, while 18 to 20 remain at large. Jail officials later reported that over 50 have been taken back into custody.
Lanjar noted that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was immediately briefed and instructed him to visit the site. He added that the identities and records of all escapees are available and targeted raids are ongoing to ensure their swift arrest.
The minister acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and indicated possible negligence by the prison staff. Contrary to initial claims of a wall collapse, it was later confirmed that the prisoners escaped through the main gate.
Inspector General of Prisons Qazi Nazir and Sindh’s Prisons Minister have reached the jail and are coordinating efforts on the ground. A large contingent of Frontier Corps personnel, along with SSU and RRF units, launched a search operation which led to the re-establishment of control at the facility.
Three FC personnel and one jail guard sustained injuries, while one inmate reportedly lost his life during the incident.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori also took notice, urging authorities to ensure the immediate re-arrest of all escapees. He called for a transparent investigation into the incident and assured the public of the government’s commitment to restoring order and accountability.
