Inmates Flood Out of Karachi Jail Following Earthquake Chaos

Authorities scramble to recapture remaining inmates and address safety concerns.

More than 200 inmates managed to break free from the Malir Jail in Karachi, Pakistan, following an earthquake that struck early Tuesday morning. The tremors sent ripples of fear through the prison, prompting thousands of inmates to forcibly break down their cell doors and shatter windows in a desperate bid for freedom.

Initial reports indicate that approximately 216 prisoners escaped during the chaos, while police confirmed that around 80 of them have since been recaptured. The escape was set into motion when inmates, terrified by the tremors, began shouting and expressing their fear that the prison structure might collapse.

As the situation escalated, law enforcement responded with warning shots, hoping to restore order. While many inmates returned to their cells after hearing the shots, a significant number seized the opportunity to rush the main gates. Tragically, one inmate died during the police operation, with two officers injured.

The Malir Jail, already overcrowded with about 5,000 inmates despite a capacity of only 2,200, has drawn criticism from prison officials and the public alike. Sindh province's Minister for Prisons, Ali Hassan Zardari, announced an investigation into the incident, vowing that any responsible personnel would face disciplinary measures.

The prison's superintendent has defended the facility's staff, contending that the escape was a response to a natural disaster rather than a failure of security protocols. As police continue their manhunt for the remaining escapees, families of inmates have started to protest outside the prison, raising concerns over the postponement of visits and the safety of their loved ones.