Karachi, June 3: In a dramatic and alarming incident late Monday night, 216 inmates escaped from Karachi’s District Jail Malir — known locally as “Bacha Jail” — amid panic triggered by earthquake tremors. The seismic activity created chaos within the prison, which inmates exploited to overpower guards and break free, according to SamaTV.
Witnesses described scenes of heavy gunfire in and around the facility, adding to the tension in nearby residential areas. Authorities responded swiftly by sealing off roads, including the National Highway, and launching a massive manhunt with the help of police and Rangers.
SSP Malir, Kashif Aftab Abbasi, confirmed that extensive search operations were underway and that settlements and villages around the jail had been cordoned off to prevent further escapes. Security was reinforced at the jail after visits by DIG Jail Hassan Sahetu and Director General Rangers Sindh, Major General Muhammad Shamrez.
Mosques in the Malir area made announcements urging locals to assist law enforcement in locating and reporting escaped prisoners.
The jailbreak occurred as over 600 prisoners from Circles No. 4 and 5 were outside their barracks for routine checks when the tremors hit. The panic quickly escalated into a riot, giving cover to the mass escape.
This incident has reignited concerns about prison security and emergency preparedness in Pakistan’s correctional facilities, particularly in high-risk institutions like Malir Jail, which has faced previous criticism over its management and safety infrastructure.
