Malir Jailbreak
KARACHI: A preliminary investigation into the recent jailbreak at Malir Jail in Karachi has revealed that a total of 138 inmates remain at large following the chaotic incident, according to a report submitted to the Inspector General of Prisons, on Tuesday.
The disturbances began shortly after midnight, at approximately 12:05 AM, when a group of inmates instigated a major upheaval inside the prison premises.
Despite immediate efforts by the prison staff to restore order, the situation rapidly escalated beyond control. Prisoners engaged in widespread vandalism, targeting various sections of the facility with destructive intent.
The report details that in Circle No. 4, prisoners broke down doors and damaged metal grills, creating multiple points of escape. Simultaneously, thousands of inmates in Circles 2 and 5 also participated in causing extensive destruction to the barracks.
The riot was not confined to the living quarters alone; administrative areas suffered significant damage as well. Offices critical to prison operations, including the E-Court, Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), and Complaint Registration Office (CRO), were vandalized, exacerbating the chaos and complicating the response efforts.
By 1:00 AM, a staggering 216 prisoners had escaped from the facility. However, law enforcement and prison authorities acted swiftly to recapture 78 of the fugitives, returning them to custody. Despite these efforts, 138 inmates are still missing and remain at large, posing a serious security threat to the region.
The violent outbreak during the jailbreak also resulted in injuries to 12 inmates, who are now undergoing medical treatment for various wounds sustained during the escape attempt. Tragically, one prisoner named Tahir Khan lost his life while trying to flee the prison.
This alarming incident underscores significant weaknesses in prison security and management at Malir Jail. The scale and intensity of the jailbreak highlight the urgent need for reforms and enhanced security measures to prevent such breaches in the future.
Authorities are currently engaged in ongoing efforts to track down the remaining escaped prisoners and to restore order within the prison. The incident has sparked concern over the safety and security situation in Karachi’s correctional facilities and the broader implications for public safety.
