On June 2, an earthquake in Pakistan led to unusual consequences — more than 200 prisoners escaped from the Malir jail in Karachi. According to Reuters, this incident is being recorded as one of the largest prison breaks in the country's history.
Prisoners took advantage of the earthquake panic
The incident at the Malir jail occurred after prisoners were allowed to leave their cells due to the tremors. Among the 600 prisoners who exited their cells, 216 managed to escape through the main gate by taking advantage of the general disorder.
The jail superintendent, Arshad Shah, stated that 80 of the escapees have already been recaptured, and extensive search operations are underway to locate the remaining ones. Information related to them has been identified, and raids are currently being conducted in areas where the escapees' relatives reside.
Most of the escapees were petty criminals
According to Gulom Nabi Memon, the head of the Sindh province police, and Ziyo ul-Hasan Lanjan, the head of internal affairs, most of the escaped prisoners were incarcerated for drug-related offenses and minor crimes. However, Arshad Shah emphasized that even minor charges could be considered serious offenses in such circumstances.
There are injuries among those who escaped
Geo News reported that during the incident, three members of the border corps and one prison staff member were injured. Additionally, one prisoner was killed. Official reports indicate that at the time of the incident, there were 6,022 prisoners held in the jail.
This situation in Pakistan requires serious analysis not only from a local but also from an international security perspective. The breakdown of internal order during natural disasters like earthquakes can lead to additional risks. Currently, local authorities are taking emergency measures to stabilize the situation and fully recapture the escapees.
Photo: Reuters
