Karachi, June 3 (UNI) Over 200 Pakistani inmates broke out of Karachi’s Malir District Jail, following a temporary emergency evacuation by prison authorities due to low intensity tremors in the area. However, the evacuation turned into a massive jailbreak, as the confusion and hurriedness gave many inmates the perfect opportunity to run.
According to Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, over 2,000 prisoners were brought from their barracks for counting during the evacuation process. But the safety measure soon turned into full-fledged chaos, as hundreds started running. The Frontier Corps personnel stationed at the prison resorted to massive aerial firing to push them back but 213 of them escaped.
So far, only 78 of the escapees has been caught, with one killed by the Frontier Corps during the jailbreak amid further deterioration of the situation, according to Duniya News. Over three FC personnel were also badly injured.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, following the massive prison break, said that tough action would be taken against those who made the decision to let the prisoners gather in the open ground.
He told reporters that “I do not want to say anything judgmental, but my initial thought is that it was wrong to let them out (into the ground).”
SSP Malir said 500 to 600 prisoners tried to escape from the Malir District Jail. Over 100 prisoners escaped, and 73 of them were recaptured with a search ongoing for the other escapees.
According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, over 6,000 people were present in the prison barracks during the tremors. Detailing the incident, he said “During the evacuation, some inmates escaped by breaking the locks and began climbing over the walls. This took place near Mari Gate, where over 1,000 inmates had gathered.
“As the staff tried to control the situation, one inmate snatched a rifle from the officer and opened fire. This injured Frontier Corps personnel and one police officer. Jail staff were also attacked with stones and sticks by inmates.”
Sindh Prison Minister Ali Hassan took notice of the escape of prisoners from Malir Jail and has sought a report from the IG Prison and DIG Prison. He directed that the area be cordoned off.
The Prison Minister said that the escaped prisoner should be caught at all costs and the officers who were negligent in the incident would be identified and held accountable.
Sindh’s Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar visited the District Malir Jail and took details of the incident from the jail authorities. He ordered the SSP Malir to immediately contact the Malir Jail Police and search for the escaped prisoners.
He also issued instructions to arrest the escaped prisoners through highly coordinated and effective measures at the district level.
The minister said that all measures should be made successful through blockade, reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence and that all necessary measures should be taken.
According to police, the entire city has been put on high alert, with several barricades established, a large number checkpoints established, increase in patrol, a regular checking of all passing cars throughout Karachi.
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