A massive manhunt is underway in Karachi after 213 prisoners escaped from Malir Jail amid chaos triggered by earthquake tremors late Monday night. The unprecedented jailbreak has alarmed security agencies, prompting a joint operation involving police, Rangers, Frontier Corps, and special forces.
Officials confirmed that over 80 escapees have already been rearrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend more than 130 inmates still at large. The escape resulted in the death of one prisoner and injuries to several security personnel, including three Frontier Corps officers and a jail staff member.
According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, the breakout occurred during an emergency evacuation when tremors were felt. Around 600 prisoners from Circles 4 and 5 were moved out of their cells for safety. Amid the confusion, 213 inmates exploited the situation to break free. A group of nearly 100 reportedly forced open the main gate and escaped. Shah admitted that the chaos overwhelmed prison security.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar termed the incident one of the most serious jailbreaks in recent history. “An inquiry committee is being formed to determine lapses, and disciplinary action will be taken against those found negligent,” he announced. He confirmed that all fugitives have been identified, and raids are being conducted at their homes and surrounding areas. The Chief Minister has been fully briefed and directed a personal visit to the prison.
Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, during his visit, ruled out a pre-planned conspiracy behind the escape. He pointed out that many inmates were low-level offenders, particularly in drug-related cases, and thus easier to trace. He praised the quick response of law enforcement forces, which has restored control over the prison.
Officials explained that the jailbreak escalated when inmates attacked guards with stones and makeshift weapons as they were being brought out during the quake alert. Security forces initially tried to manage the crowd with batons and aerial firing, but were overpowered. Law enforcement regained control only after deploying reinforcements.
The jailbreak caused significant damage to prison infrastructure, including the IT room — which stores inmate records — and several administrative offices. Bullet marks, broken locks, and signs of vandalism were visible across the premises.
Sindh Prisons IG Qazi Nazir confirmed that the main gate was forced open after the quake damaged certain barrack walls. He stated that such a scenario was beyond the prison’s preparedness, calling it a “first-of-its-kind” emergency in the province’s correctional history. He also revealed that a new 850-acre jail site has been identified in Bin Qasim Town to prevent future overcrowding and improve crisis management.
Meanwhile, security has been intensified in surrounding areas, including Shah Latif Town and Quaidabad, though manpower shortages remain a concern. Police have released the names of the escapees and urged families to help ensure their voluntary return, warning of severe legal consequences — including terrorism charges — for those who do not surrender.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has convened an emergency meeting at CM House with senior officials, including IG Prisons, DIG Prisons, the Chief Secretary, and the Home Secretary. Shah criticized the decision to evacuate prisoners during the tremors and warned that such misjudgments would be investigated. “Natural disasters can trigger panic, but we must be better prepared. No excuse justifies losing control of a high-security prison,” he said.
He also cautioned the escapees to return immediately or face harsh repercussions. “Most of those who fled were minor offenders. If they do not come back, their crimes will escalate under anti-terrorism laws,” the CM warned.
With law enforcement now on high alert and surveillance intensified, authorities hope to recapture most of the fugitives within the next 24 hours. However, the jailbreak has exposed critical weaknesses in prison management and disaster preparedness, sparking urgent calls for systemic reform.
