Massive Manhunt Launched After Jailbreak in Karachi

A significant search operation is in progress after a confirmed 213 inmates escaped from Malir Jail in Karachi during an earthquake-related evacuation. This information was released by authorities early Tuesday.

Approximately 80 prisoners have been apprehended, but over 130 remain at large. Security forces are increasing their efforts to return the escapees to custody.

Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah stated that the breakout occurred when inmates from Circle Nos. 4 and 5 were moved from their cells as a safety measure during the seismic activity.

Escape Details

“More than 600 prisoners were outside their designated areas at the time. Amid the ensuing chaos, 213 managed to get away,” he elaborated.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar characterized the event as a major jailbreak in recent history. He mentioned that an estimated 700 to 1,000 prisoners congregated near the main entrance after the evacuation, where approximately 100 individuals forcibly opened the gate and fled. “Around 46 have been caught, and we anticipate the remaining ones will be quickly rearrested,” he added.

The minister verified that all escapees have been identified and that targeted operations are being carried out at their known addresses and nearby areas. He also confirmed that the Chief Minister has been informed and has instructed him to visit the facility personally.

Lanjar dismissed early reports of structural compromises, clarifying that the escape occurred through the primary entrance and was not due to a wall collapse. He suggested possible staff negligence and announced the establishment of an investigative committee, assuring strict disciplinary measures against anyone found responsible.

Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, who inspected the jail, stated that Malir houses a significant number of inmates involved in narcotics offenses, many of whom have mental health challenges, making them relatively easier to locate and recapture. He dismissed any notion of a planned escape and commended police and Rangers for their rapid intervention.

According to IG Memon and other officials, as tremors were experienced, prisoners from the specified circles who had been evacuated assaulted security personnel. Initially, Frontier Corps personnel attempted to restrain the inmates using batons before resorting to warning shots, but they were overwhelmed, resulting in the prisoners’ escape.

Police have reported that three Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staff member sustained injuries during the commotion. One prisoner was killed, though authorities have not yet released the identity or details of the case.

A collaborative operation involving police, Rangers, Frontier Corps, the Special Security Unit (SSU), and the Rapid Response Force (RRF) was initiated to pursue the escapees. Law enforcement has since re-established complete control over the prison.

Damage Assessment

Following the incident, the IT room’s servers and equipment were damaged, and its doors were compromised; this room houses critical prisoner information. Several other rooms were vandalized, and evidence of gunfire was visible throughout the facility, along with other infrastructural damages.

Family members of prisoners have gathered at the jail seeking information, which has prompted police to release a list of the escaped inmates.

Security has been heightened in the areas surrounding the prison, including Shah Latif Town, Quaidabad, and various informal settlements. However, police presence remains limited, and while checkpoints have been established inside, no major security points have been implemented to comprehensively manage the situation.

The jail, which housed approximately 6,022 inmates at the time, mostly individuals convicted of drug-related crimes, now faces ongoing challenges as legal proceedings will be initiated against all escapees.

One recaptured prisoner, identified as Siraj, described the widespread panic: “When the earthquake occurred, everyone began breaking down the gates. Many escaped. I was arrested in a weapons case and went into hiding after escaping.”

It is standard procedure to evacuate prisoners from their cells during emergencies.

However, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that, despite the complaints of the inmates, it was not a wise decision to let the prisoners out of their barracks.

The CM stated during an event that even though nothing like that is good, repeated earthquakes indicated that there won’t be a major earthquake. He is an engineering student.

He further cautioned the prisoners to surrender themselves. Otherwise, he warned that because the majority of those who had fled were involved in minor crimes, they would face harsher consequences, including terrorism.