KARACHI: Over 40 prisoners escaped from Karachi’s Malir Jail during repeated earthquake tremors early hours of Tuesday morning, triggering chaotic scenes inside the facility. While initial reports suggested over 100 escapes and a broken prison wall, Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar later confirmed approximately 45-50 prisoners fled, with 30-35 already recaptured.
The jail administration stated prisoners were moved outside barracks as a safety precaution during the seismic activity. Amid heightened tensions, inmates broke through a main gate (not walls, as first reported), attacked guards, and seized weapons – leading to an exchange of gunfire. One prisoner died, and three security personnel were injured.
Authorities have regained full control of the jail after joint operations by police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps. Search operations continue in nearby areas including Gaddafi Town and Shah Latif.
Lanjar clarified the escaped prisoners were not high-risk offenders but acknowledged possible negligence. Provincial Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari ordered a full inquiry and demanded perimeter security reinforcements.
Also read:Karachi jolted by 7 reported quakes in 24 hours, igniting panic
The incident occurred during Karachi’s tenth minor earthquake within 24 hours, with the latest tremor measuring 2.4 magnitude near Landhi and Quaidabad.
