Prisoners seized weapons during chaos; 78 recaptured, 1 dead, and 3 guards injured in shootout
Karachi, Pakistan – June 3, 2025 — A dramatic jailbreak unfolded early Tuesday morning in Karachi as 216 Prisoners escaped from Malir Prison following an emergency evacuation triggered by earthquake tremors, officials confirmed.
The prisoners were temporarily moved out of their cells as a precaution, but chaos erupted when several inmates overpowered guards, seized weapons, and opened fire. The confrontation left one prisoner dead and three security personnel injured, according to Sindh police.
“Initial reports suggest inmates were evacuated due to earthquake tremors, which triggered panic. This was a wrong decision, and those responsible will be held accountable,” said Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon.
Jailbreak Timeline and Escape Details
- Time: Before dawn on June 3
- Location: Malir Prison, Karachi
- Cause: Evacuation due to mild earthquake tremors (magnitude 2.6–3.4)
- Escapees: 216 prisoners
- Recaptured: 78 as of Tuesday afternoon
- Casualties: 1 inmate killed, 3 guards injured
Ziaul Hassan, Sindh’s Home Minister, said the escapees fled toward nearby residential neighborhoods. In response, police used mosque loudspeakers to alert locals and ask for help tracking down fugitives.
No Militants Among Escapees
Police clarified that none of the fugitives were terrorists or militant-linked prisoners. Most were serving time for non-violent or minor criminal offenses, though authorities warned that fleeing could now lead to terrorism-related charges.
“I urge the inmates to surrender voluntarily. Their legal troubles will escalate if captured after a manhunt,” said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Security & Accountability Measures
The jailbreak prompted renewed scrutiny of Pakistan’s prison security protocols. Superintendent Arshad Shah said multiple checkpoints have been set up around the city, and the search operation is ongoing.
Security around Pakistan’s jails has been tightened in recent years, especially after the 2013 Dera Ismail Khan prison attack, where over 200 inmates escaped during a Taliban raid.
Earthquake Connection and Public Reaction
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre reported multiple mild earthquakes in Karachi within 24 hours, ranging from magnitude 2.6 to 3.4, sparking panic and the controversial decision to evacuate prisoners.
Many residents expressed concern over the prison’s emergency planning and demanded accountability for what they called a preventable security failure.
