A major security crisis is unfolding in Karachi after a massive jailbreak at Malir Jail during an earthquake-related evacuation led to the escape of 213 inmates. While law enforcement agencies have recaptured 89 fugitives, over 120 prisoners remain on the run, prompting an extensive and ongoing manhunt.

How the Escape Unfolded

The chaos erupted when tremors were felt in Karachi, prompting authorities at Malir Jail to move inmates from Circles No. 4 and 5 out of their barracks as a precautionary measure. According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, over 600 inmates were temporarily outside their cells when confusion and panic set in. In the ensuing disorder, 213 prisoners exploited the situation and fled the facility.

One prisoner died during the escape, and several security personnel, including members of the Frontier Corps and jail staff, sustained injuries. Law enforcement forces responded with aerial firing but were quickly overwhelmed by the fleeing inmates.

Authorities Respond

Sindh’s Home Minister, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, described the event as one of the most serious prison breaks in recent memory. He confirmed that between 700 to 1,000 inmates had gathered near the jail’s main gate, and around 100 managed to break it open and escape.

Lanjar ruled out structural damage to the facility as a contributing factor and suggested possible negligence by prison staff. An official inquiry has been launched to identify lapses and hold responsible individuals accountable.

Swift Action, Public Cooperation

Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon ruled out a pre-planned conspiracy, attributing the escape to panic during the earthquake. He praised the swift deployment of police, Rangers, and other security units, which regained control of the prison shortly after the breach.

In an extraordinary act of civic responsibility, one mother escorted her escaped son back to jail after he returned home following the chaos. Police have also re-arrested escapees from surrounding areas, including one with multiple pending criminal charges.

Damage Inside the Jail

The aftermath of the escape left visible damage to Malir Jail. Bullet marks, shattered glass, and vandalized rooms—including the prison’s IT room—highlight the intensity of the incident. Critical equipment, including prisoner data systems, was damaged during the melee.

Sindh Prisons IG Qazi Nazir confirmed that the escapees broke several locks after breaching the main gate. Despite efforts to contain the crowd, the situation quickly spiraled out of control—something prison officials admit they were not prepared for.

Security and Legal Measures Intensify

Security in and around the jail has been significantly increased. Checkpoints have been set up in neighboring areas such as Shah Latif Town and Quaidabad, though manpower shortages are hampering full-scale containment.

A comprehensive list of escapees has been released to the public, and authorities are urging families to return their relatives voluntarily. If prisoners do not surrender, they will face more serious charges, including terrorism.

Government and Legal Action

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has called an emergency meeting with top security and prison officials to address the jailbreak. He criticized the decision to evacuate inmates from their cells, stating that such moves should be better evaluated, even during natural disasters.

Murad Ali Shah warned that the state would deal strictly with those who fail to return. “Many of the escapees were involved in minor offenses. If they do not surrender, they could face much harsher consequences,” he said.

Future Precautions

In response to the incident, authorities are considering the construction of a new prison on an 850-acre plot in Bin Qasim Town to reduce overcrowding and improve security infrastructure.

As the search for the remaining fugitives continues, law enforcement agencies have vowed to recapture every escaped prisoner and restore order to a system shaken by one of its most significant breaches in decades.