Massive Jailbreak in Karachi: 216 Inmates Escape Malir Prison Amid Earthquake Chaos
Karachi, Pakistan – June 3, 2025: In one of the largest jailbreaks in Pakistan’s recent history, 216 inmates escaped from Malir District Jail in Karachi late Monday night, exploiting chaos triggered by a series of mild earthquakes. The unprecedented security breach has sparked a citywide manhunt and raised serious concerns about prison safety protocols.
According to officials, the incident began when authorities evacuated over 600 prisoners from their cells to open courtyards as a precaution against seismic activity, which included 16 mild earthquakes since Sunday, with magnitudes ranging from 2.6 to 3.4. The tremors, centered near Malir, caused panic among inmates, particularly in the juvenile ward, leading to violent clashes. Inmates overpowered guards, seized weapons, broke locks, and stormed the main gate, with some escaping into nearby residential areas.
One prisoner was killed during a shootout, and three Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staff member were injured. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called the evacuation decision “poor judgment” and ordered an inquiry to investigate security lapses. By Tuesday afternoon, 78 escapees had been recaptured, but over 130 remain at large. Authorities have intensified patrols and deployed Rangers, police, and Rapid Response Forces in areas like Shah Latif Town and Quaidabad.
The prison, housing over 6,000 inmates—many charged with drug-related offenses—was over capacity at the time. No known militants were among the escapees, and Indian fishermen detained in a separate barrack remained secure. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan urged fugitives to surrender voluntarily, warning of anti-terrorism charges for those captured.
Social media footage showed escaped inmates roaming Karachi’s streets, with one claiming decades of incarceration. The incident has fueled public alarm and criticism of the jail’s crisis preparedness. A complete headcount and investigation are ongoing to identify all escapees and assess whether the earthquakes directly contributed to the breach.
Authorities continue their search for the remaining fugitives, as Karachi grapples with the aftermath of this dramatic jailbreak.
