Mass Jailbreak In Karachi: 216 Inmates Escape From Malir Prison Amid Earthquake-Induced Chaos

In an unprecedented security breach, 216 inmates escaped from Karachi’s District Jail Malir, also known as “Bacha Jail”, on Monday following a series of tremors that weakened the prison’s infrastructure. The escapees reportedly include a significant number of drug offenders and inmates with psychological vulnerabilities.

The mass breakout occurred after three mild earthquakes, ranging between 3.2 and 3.6 magnitude, struck within a 24-hour period, centered around the Landhi Fault area. The tremors caused structural cracks in the prison walls, ultimately leading to a partial collapse. The ensuing confusion gave prisoners the opportunity to flee.

During the escape attempt, clashes erupted as prison staff tried to contain the situation. Taking advantage of the disarray, some prisoners overpowered guards, seized weapons, and opened fire. The gunfire exchange inside and outside the facility sparked fear among residents of nearby neighborhoods. The violence left one inmate dead and injured three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel along with one jail official.

So far, 80 of the 216 escapees have been recaptured. However, 135 fugitives are still on the run, prompting a sweeping manhunt. Authorities have sealed several roads, including the National Highway, and established checkpoints around Malir. “Police and paramilitary forces quickly sealed off nearby settlements, highways, and villages to prevent further escapes,” confirmed SSP Malir Kashif Aftab Abbasi.

Due to Karachi’s densely populated urban sprawl, officials caution that the search could take weeks. Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah said, “Amid the chaos, 216 managed to flee,” noting that over 600 prisoners had been evacuated from their barracks during the tremors.

Efforts to locate the remaining escapees are ongoing, with police and Rangers conducting joint search operations. Sindh’s Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar described the incident as the “most serious jailbreak” in recent memory.

The escape has raised alarm over Pakistan’s prison security and disaster response systems. In a bid to support recapture efforts, announcements have been made via local mosques in Malir, urging the public to report any suspicious activity.

Senior officials including DIG Jail Hassan Sahetu and Major General Muhammad Shamrez, Director General of Rangers Sindh, have since visited the site to assess the damage and oversee immediate security reinforcements. The event has once again underscored critical vulnerabilities within the country’s correctional infrastructure, prompting urgent calls for reform and disaster-readiness upgrades.