Over 100 inmates escape from Karachi prison during earthquake evacuation

In Karachi, Pakistan, a significant jailbreak occurred overnight following mild earthquake tremors. Over 200 inmates were temporarily moved out of their cells for their safety, which coincided with tremors that registered between 2.6 and 3.4 in magnitude. During this evacuation, a group of prisoners attacked the guards, seized their weapons, and managed to escape. Reports from officials indicate that one prisoner was killed and three security officials sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos. By early Tuesday, 78 of the escapees had been recaptured, and police had initiated a series of raids to recapture the remaining inmates. Kashif Abbasi, a senior police official, detailed that while 216 inmates escaped from the facility, authorities confirmed that none of the escapees had been convicted or were facing trial as militants. The incident raised concerns about prison security in Pakistan, where major prison breaks are relatively rare, particularly following the tightening of security after a mass escape by Pakistani Taliban operatives in 2013 that freed over 200 inmates in Dera Ismail Khan. Home Minister of Sindh province, Ziaul Hassan, acknowledged the seriousness of the security breach, highlighting the unexpected nature of the prisoners’ rebellion against the guards. The timing, coinciding with natural seismic activity, has drawn scrutiny to protocols regarding inmate safety and security during emergencies. Authorities are now under pressure to review and improve measures that could prevent future occurrences of such incidents. This situation has sparked a broader discussion about the effectiveness of the penal system in Pakistan and the implications of natural disasters on security protocols. As police continue their efforts to recapture the escapees, the need for heightened procedures and oversight in the management of inmate security remains crucial in order to maintain public safety and order.