KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken decisive action following the mass escape of inmates from Karachi’s Malir Jail during an earthquake evacuation, removing the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons and suspending several senior prison officials, including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons and the Malir Jail superintendent.

Calling the incident “completely unacceptable,” CM Shah expressed outrage over what he described as a “gross failure of responsibility and coordination.” Chairing an emergency meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Shah stated bluntly, “This is enough—I will not tolerate such negligence.”

Immediate Disciplinary Measures

The CM ordered the immediate removal of IG Prisons and suspension of the DIG and jail superintendent. He also directed the issuance of official notifications for their replacements, stressing the need for a full-scale administrative overhaul of the prison system.

The emergency meeting was attended by key officials, including Senior Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Memon, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and Home Secretary Muhammad Iqbal.

Security Audit and Investigation Launched

In response to the jailbreak, CM Shah directed the Sindh Home Secretary to carry out a comprehensive security audit not only of Malir Jail but of all prisons across the province. To determine the cause and accountability, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah was instructed to oversee a detailed inquiry, enlisting Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi and Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho for support.

“The investigation must leave no room for ambiguity,” CM Shah emphasized, urging that clear responsibilities be established and consequences enforced.

Jailbreak Overview

Officials reported that 216 prisoners managed to escape during the chaos caused by earthquake tremors, when inmates were moved to the open courtyard as a precaution. The lack of coordination and preparedness allowed the situation to spiral out of control, ultimately leading to the breach.

So far, 83 escapees have been re-arrested, and a large-scale search operation is underway to locate the remaining fugitives. Authorities confirmed that most of the escapees were not facing serious or violent charges.

The chief minister, however, issued a stern warning to the escapees: “Return voluntarily or face serious legal consequences. Non-compliance could result in charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act and up to seven years in prison.”

Breakdown in Emergency Response

During the emergency meeting, CM Shah criticized the failure of jail officials to contact local law enforcement and administrative authorities during the crisis. “There was a total collapse in communication and crisis management,” he remarked.

Accountability and Systemic Reforms Promised

Later in the day, while attending the inauguration of the Centre for Rehabilitation of Children with Physical and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at Numaish, CM Shah reaffirmed his commitment to prison reform.

“This incident has exposed serious flaws in our prison administration. We will identify every loophole and fix it. Accountability is not optional—it is essential,” he said.

The chief minister concluded by directing immediate notification of newly appointed prison officials and demanded regular updates on progress from the Chief Secretary.

As authorities continue their efforts to recapture the remaining escapees, the Sindh government’s response signals a firm stance on institutional accountability and the urgent need to strengthen the province’s prison management system.