KARACHI, JUN 3: A large-scale manhunt is underway after at least 213 inmates escaped from Karachi’s Malir Jail during an earthquake-related evacuation, authorities confirmed early Tuesday.
During the jailbreak, at least one prisoner was killed and several security personnel were injured, said rescue sources.
While around 80 prisoners have been recaptured, more than 130 remain at large as security forces intensify efforts to bring the fugitives back into custody.
Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah said the jailbreak occurred when inmates from Circles 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, 213 managed to flee,” he explained.
Sindh’s Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar described the incident as one of the most serious jailbreaks in recent years. He noted that between 700 to 1,000 prisoners had gathered near the main gate following the evacuation, where nearly 100 inmates forced the gate open and escaped.
The minister confirmed that all escapees have been identified and that targeted raids are underway at their residences and adjoining areas. He also confirmed that the chief minister has been briefed and has instructed him to visit the prison.
Lanjar dismissed initial reports of structural damage, clarifying that the escape occurred through the main gate and not due to any wall collapse. He hinted at possible staff negligence and announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate, promising strict disciplinary action against those found responsible.
Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, who visited the jail, explained that Malir houses a large number of inmates involved in drug-related cases, many with psychological issues, making them comparatively easier to track and recapture.
He ruled out any premeditated plan behind the escape and praised police and Rangers for their swift response.
In a rare turn of events following the mass jailbreak, the mother of one of the escaped inmates brought her son back to prison.
Speaking to the media, she said her son had returned home after the earthquake-related chaos led to the escape of several prisoners. “He told me many inmates fled due to the tremors, so he also ran home,” she said, adding that she walked with him back to jail on foot.
Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of another escaped prisoner from New Karachi. The inmate reportedly faces multiple charges across various police stations, including possession of illegal weapons and drug trafficking.
So far, 79 prisoners who escaped from Malir Jail have been rearrested.
The jailbreak
As tremors were felt, prisoners from the two circles, who were brought out, attacked security personnel. Frontier Corps personnel initially tried to stop the inmates with batons before resorting to aerial firing, but were overpowered, leading to the prisoners’ escape, IG Memon and other officials told Geo News.
The police reported that three Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staffer were injured during the chaos, and one prisoner was killed, though authorities have not yet disclosed the prisoner’s identity or case.
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 has since regained full control of the jail.
In the aftermath, the IT room’s servers and equipment were damaged, and its doors were damaged. This room also holds prisoner data. Several other rooms were vandalised, and bullet marks and shells were visible throughout the prison, alongside other infrastructural damage.
Speaking to the media, Sindh Prisons IG Qazi Nazir said that the earthquake in Karachi caused damage to the barrack walls of Malir Jail, following which inmates launched an attack that broke the main gate latch. Once outside, they broke several other locks as well. He stated that every effort was made to control the mob, but the situation escalated beyond expectations — something the prison system had never encountered before.
The families of prisoners have arrived at the jail seeking information, prompting police to release a list of inmates who fled.
Security has been beefed up around the prison’s vicinity, which includes Shah Latif Town, Quaidabad, and several slum areas. Despite this, police personnel numbers remain low, and while checkpoints are established inside, no major pickets have been set up to fully control the situation.
The jail, which housed approximately 6,022 inmates at the time, mostly drug-related offenders, now faces ongoing challenges as cases will be registered against all escapees under the law.
One recaptured prisoner, Siraj, described the panic: “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.”
IG Nazir said that the addresses of the escaped prisoners are available, and families are urged to ensure their return. If inmates do not come back voluntarily, strict action will be taken.
He confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted to probe the negligence that led to the incident, while noting that natural disasters can trigger such events anywhere.
An inquiry committee is being formed to investigate further.
IG Nazir also revealed that land spanning 850 acres has been identified in Bin Qasim Town, where a new jail is under consideration. He expressed hope that more than half of the escapees would be recaptured by tonight.
It may be noted that it is a practice to bring out the prisoners of their prison cells during emergency situations.
However, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that it was not the right move to bring the prisoners out of their barracks despite the inmates’ complaints.
“Although nothing of the sort is good, I’m a student of engineering and if there are repeated earthquakes, it means that there won’t be a major earthquake,” the CM said while speaking during an event in the metropolis.
He also warned the prisoners that they should surrender, otherwise, they would face harsher cases, including terrorism, as most of those who had fled were involved in minor crimes.
In light of the prisoner escape, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has called an emergency meeting, according to sources.
The meeting, scheduled to take place shortly at the Chief Minister’s House, will be attended by the IG Prisons, DIG Prisons, Chief Secretary, IG Police, and Home Secretary. Sources said the CM has instructed officials to identify those responsible for the jailbreak and ensure accountability.
