Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan said inmates were outside their cells for safety when a group overpowered guards, seized weapons, and escaped.
More than 100 inmates escaped from Malir Prison after a mild earthquake prompted a temporary evacuation in Karachi, Pakistani officials said Tuesday.
Senior police official Kashif Abbasi reported that 216 inmates fled before dawn. So far, 78 have been recaptured. “No militant convicts or suspects were among the escapees,” he said. One prisoner was killed and three security officers injured in a shootout.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan said inmates were outside their cells for safety when a group overpowered guards, seized weapons, and escaped. Superintendent Arshad Shah said they fled toward a nearby residential area. Police used mosque loudspeakers to alert residents and request assistance.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah urged the inmates to return, saying, “They had only been involved in minor crimes,” but warned they could face terrorism charges if arrested.
Following the incident, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon announced the dismissal of prison chief Nazir Ahmad and two officials.
Authorities continue to search for the remaining fugitives. Mild tremors of 2.6–3.4 magnitude were recorded in Karachi over the last 24 hours.
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