How Did Over 200 Prisoners Escape from Malir Jail in Karachi?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, over 200 inmates escaped from Malir Jail in Karachi following earthquake tremors. The incident raises serious questions about prison safety and emergency protocols. Read more to discover the unfolding situation and the government's response as they search for the remaining fugitives.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 prisoners escaped from Malir Jail during a chaotic evacuation.
- Two Frontier Corps personnel and one police officer were injured.
- Authorities confirm that 216 inmates fled, with 83 recaptured.
- An investigation is ongoing to determine accountability.
- Karachi has experienced 19 mild earthquakes recently.
Karachi, June 3 (NationPress) In a shocking turn of events, more than 200 inmates made a daring escape from Malir Jail in Karachi following earthquake tremors that prompted a temporary evacuation of prisoners from their cells, as reported by local media on Tuesday.
Taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, the prisoners fled the facility. Tragically, one escapee was shot and two members of the Frontier Corps (paramilitary force) along with a police officer sustained injuries during this incident.
In the tumult, several inmates hurled stones and sticks at jail authorities, triggering widespread panic in the surrounding residential areas and causing a traffic standstill on both sides of the National Highway.
Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh province, expressed serious concern regarding the situation, asserting that an investigation is currently underway.
"Initial reports indicate that the inmates were evacuated due to earthquake tremors, which incited panic. This decision was flawed, and those responsible will be held accountable," he stated.
Shah confirmed that a total of 216 prisoners escaped during the chaos, yet authorities have recaptured 83 of them. He urged the remaining fugitives to turn themselves in voluntarily or they will face charges in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, the jailbreak occurred when prisoners were taken out of their barracks as a precaution against the tremors.
"At that time, more than 600 prisoners were outside their cells. Amid the disarray, 213 managed to escape," reported Geo News, quoting the Jail Superintendent.
Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Hassan Sahito of the Pakistani Police stated that approximately 6,000 inmates were present in the facility when the tremors struck.
"Panic spread rapidly among the inmates. Some began breaking locks and attempted to escape from various points," he explained in an interview with a private news outlet.
Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, the Home Minister of Sindh, labeled this incident as one of the most serious jailbreaks in Pakistan, noting that the official tally of escapees is still ongoing.
"It remains to be seen whether the breakout was due to a wall breach or merely broken locks," he remarked, emphasizing that an investigation is underway to ascertain the causes and identify those responsible.
Karachi has experienced a total of 19 mild earthquakes since Sunday, confirmed by the Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday. The latest tremor occurred early Tuesday morning with a magnitude of 2.8. The epicenter of the 16th quake was located northeast of Malir, roughly 15 kilometers from the area, at a depth of 40 kilometers.
Point of View
It is our duty to provide an unbiased perspective on the alarming jailbreak from Malir Jail. This incident highlights the pressing need for improved safety measures within our correctional facilities. The government must take immediate action to ensure accountability and enhance emergency response protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the jailbreak?
The jailbreak occurred when inmates were evacuated from their barracks due to earthquake tremors, resulting in panic and chaos.
How many prisoners escaped?
A total of 216 prisoners escaped, with 83 of them recaptured by authorities.
What is being done to address the situation?
The Sindh government has initiated an investigation to determine the causes of the jailbreak and to hold responsible parties accountable.
How many earthquakes have occurred in Karachi recently?
Karachi has experienced 19 mild earthquakes since Sunday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
What is the government's response to the jailbreak?
The Chief Minister of Sindh has expressed concern and stated that measures will be taken to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
