Karachi, June 3, 2025: A massive jailbreak at Karachi’s Malir Jail has triggered an intense manhunt, with at least 213 prisoners escaping amid chaos following an earthquake-induced evacuation. So far, nearly 90 have been recaptured, while more than 120 remain at large, officials confirmed.
The escape, which unfolded as inmates were temporarily moved out of their barracks for safety, has been described as one of the most serious security breaches in Sindh’s recent history.
According to prison officials, tremors on Monday night led to the evacuation of hundreds of inmates from Circles 4 and 5. Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah stated that over 600 prisoners were outside their cells when the chaos erupted.
“As the prisoners gathered near the main gate, a group of nearly 100 inmates forced it open and fled,” said Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar.
During the melee, three Frontier Corps personnel, one jail staff member, and at least one prisoner were injured. Authorities later confirmed the prisoner’s death but have not disclosed his identity. Riotous inmates also vandalized key jail facilities, including the IT room housing prisoner data, leaving bullet marks and significant structural damage.
In response to the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah convened an emergency meeting and took decisive disciplinary action. He removed Inspector General of Prisons Qazi Nazir, suspended the Deputy IG Prisons and Malir Jail Superintendent, and ordered a comprehensive inquiry.
“This is an unacceptable security lapse. Gross negligence will not be tolerated,” said the CM.
He directed the Sindh Home Department to conduct a full security audit of Malir Jail and other correctional facilities across the province.
Law enforcement agencies — including Sindh Police, Rangers, Frontier Corps, Special Security Unit (SSU), and Rapid Response Force (RRF) — have launched an extensive search across Karachi and surrounding districts. Security has been tightened in Shah Latif Town, Quaidabad, and other areas near the jail, though locals have complained of insufficient personnel and lax perimeter control.
According to Sindh Prisons officials, addresses of all escapees are known, and raids are underway. One notable development came when a mother returned her escaped son to the authorities, stating he came home “in panic” after the tremors. Another fugitive was arrested in New Karachi, reportedly facing multiple charges including arms possession and drug trafficking.
CM Shah expressed disapproval of the decision to move prisoners into the courtyard despite no confirmed structural damage. He also criticized the failure to coordinate with police and other agencies during the emergency.
“If repeated tremors occur, it usually doesn’t indicate a major quake. There was no need to evacuate so carelessly,” he remarked during a press briefing.
He warned escaped inmates to surrender voluntarily, or face charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, carrying sentences of up to seven years. The government is also considering relocating the jail to a newly identified 850-acre site in Bin Qasim Town to avoid future vulnerabilities.
Former IG Prisons Qazi Nazir admitted that the prison system was overwhelmed and ill-prepared for such an emergency. He acknowledged that standard evacuation procedures were followed, but a mob mentality took over, leading to the breach.
“We’ve never encountered a scenario like this. Even natural disasters can expose major gaps in security,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CM has instructed the Chief Secretary to immediately appoint a new IG, DIG, and Superintendent for Malir Jail.
As of now, 89 fugitives have been recaptured, while a full-scale manhunt continues for the remaining escapees. Authorities vow strict action against those involved in the escape, as well as any prison staff found negligent.
