A dramatic jailbreak unfolded at Karachi’s Malir District Jail on June 2 night as panic erupted during an earthquake, leading to a major security breakdown. Taking advantage of the confusion, at least 200 inmates escaped, turning the prison into a virtual war zone.
Prison Break, Pakistan
200 inmates from Karachi's Malir Jail escaped in a big Prison Break attempt.
Police started firing. Locals reporting around 20 unconfirmed deaths and several injured. pic.twitter.com/h61LlhdTpu
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) June 3, 2025
Amid the turmoil, prisoners snatched weapons, opened fire on security personnel, and injured several. One inmate was killed, and multiple others were wounded in the crossfire. Three members of the Frontier Corps (FC) and one jail guard suffered serious injuries during the assault.
Authorities reported that over 100 escapees were facing serious criminal charges. So far, around 75 of the fugitives have been recaptured, while the rest remain at large. The jailbreak has exposed alarming vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s prison security system and the lack of emergency preparedness within correctional facilities.
In response, Karachi was placed on high alert, and a massive manhunt is underway to track down the remaining escapees.
According to officials, earthquake tremors shook Karachi on Monday, sparking panic inside Malir District Jail. As a precautionary measure, many inmates were moved out of their barracks. Amid the confusion, between 700 to 1,000 prisoners gathered near the main gate, creating a volatile situation that escalated into a mass jailbreak.
Immediately after the jailbreak, security forces—including the Rangers, police, and Frontier Corps (FC)—launched a large-scale search operation. By June 3 morning, 46 escaped prisoners had been recaptured, while the hunt for nearly 20 remaining fugitives continues.
The Home Minister, along with the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons, visited Malir District Jail to assess the situation firsthand. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was also briefed and directed authorities to take firm action to recover all escaped inmates and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar confirmed that a detailed inquiry has been launched. He warned that any prison officials found guilty of negligence will face strict disciplinary action. Meanwhile, jail authorities have begun verifying the identities and criminal records of the escaped prisoners to aid in their swift capture.
Rescue teams arrived during the exchange of fire and transported the injured security personnel to a private hospital for treatment. A joint operation involving the police, Special Security Unit (SSU), and Rapid Response Force (RRF) was carried out to regain control of the jail.
Authorities have now stabilized the situation at Malir Jail. Security forces from various agencies are in full control of the premises, and efforts are ongoing to track down and re-arrest every escaped prisoner.
The Sindh Prison Minister assured the public that all necessary efforts—such as surveillance, road blockades, and intelligence coordination—are being employed in the manhunt. He also urged citizens to report any suspicious activity and assist law enforcement in locating the fugitives.
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