216 inmates escape Karachi jail after earthquake panic

A total of 216 inmates escaped from Malir Jail Karachi amid an evacuation triggered by earthquake tremors, with dozens of them having been recaptured by police.

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Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah told reporters in the early hours of Tuesday that over 80 prisoners who escaped during the night have since been recaptured, while a search operation is underway for the remaining fugitives.

Shah said the jailbreak occurred when inmates from Circles No 4 and 5 were taken out of their barracks as a safety precaution during the tremors.

"More than 600 prisoners were outside their cells at the time. Amid the chaos, some 216 managed to flee," he said and added that over 135 prisoners remain at large, and search efforts are ongoing.

Sindh home minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar described the situation as one of the most serious jailbreaks in recent years.

He told reporters that the escape took place when between 700 to 1,000 prisoners gathered near the main gate following the evacuation.

He stated that nearly 100 inmates forced open the gate and fled.

"About 46 have been caught, and we expect the rest will be rearrested soon."

The minister said that all escaped inmates have been identified, and targeted raids are underway at their residences and adjoining areas.