Sindh home minister says 45 to 50 inmates fled from Malir Jail
KARACHI: At least 45 to 50 inmates have escaped from the Malir Jail in Karachi in what appears to be one of the most serious jailbreaks in recent years, according to Sindh’s Home Minister, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar.
Speaking to the media, Lanjar confirmed that around 30 to 35 of the escaped prisoners have already been rearrested during an ongoing search operation.
He said that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been fully briefed on the situation, adding that the CM directed him to visit the prison personally to oversee the situation.
Initial reports suggest that the prisoners did not break through the jail’s walls instead exited through the main gate, the home minister told the media.
The Inspector General of Prisons, Qazi Nazir, has reached the Malir Jail. Sindh’s Prisons Minister also arrived at the scene and has been in direct contact with jail officials.
Earlier, a large contingent of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel rushed to the site.
A joint search operation is underway to track down the remaining escapees. Lanjar said that all necessary intelligence and security resources are being deployed, including checkpoints and surveillance measures, to aid the search.
Rescue officials reported that three FC personnel and one prison guard were injured during the incident. One inmate has been reportedly killed during the chaos that followed.
The Sindh Minister for Prisons stated that disciplinary action will be taken against any officials found negligent. He also stressed that the search for the remaining fugitives will continue until all are apprehended.
