CM Murad warns Malir Jail fugitives to surrender or face strict legal action

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday warned the fugitives who escaped from Malir Jail to surrender voluntarily, or they would face strict legal action if named in the jailbreak case.

His statement came following Monday night's incident, where more than 200 inmates reportedly escaped from their barracks after a series of tremors struck Karachi.

Addressing a ceremony on development projects in Karachi, CM Shah admitted that allowing inmates out of their barracks due to the tremors was wrong.

“It was unwise to move the inmates out of the barracks, as those were only minor jolts. Sometimes, minor quakes can actually prevent bigger incidents,” he remarked.

Read: Inmates fled through Malir Jail gate, not due to quake-damaged wall: Sindh Home Minister

The chief minister noted that the fugitives were mostly involved in minor crimes. He clarified that none of the foreign prisoners or those charged with serious offences managed to escape.

Shah also said that the fleeing prisoners snatched weapons from police officers, resulting in one officer being injured during the chaos.

“The escaped inmates must voluntarily return, otherwise, strict action will be taken. If they are formally charged in the jailbreak case, it will create serious legal consequences for them,” he warned.

“Action will also be taken against the officers who decided to move the prisoners out of the barracks without taking necessary precautions."

Read: Malir Jail prisoner commits suicide after testing positive for AIDS

According to the jail administration, inmates were moved outside the barracks as a safety measure during the earthquake. However, during the evacuation, prisoners began rioting.

Authorities said the inmates assaulted police personnel and eventually broke the prison gate to escape.

DIG Prisons Hassan Sahito confirmed that the search operation at Malir Jail was completed and that the police, Rangers, and FC regained full control of the facility.