In a dramatic incident, more than 200 inmates fled from a high-security prison in Karachi, Pakistan, following an earthquake that created panic, as reported by a government official on Tuesday. Sindh's Home Minister, Zia-ul Hasan Lanjhar, announced that prisoners who voluntarily return will have their sentences reduced. However, he cautioned that those apprehended by law enforcement would face severe penalties under anti-terrorism legislation.

Authorities indicated that numerous inmates broke free from their cells after experiencing tremors at Malir Jail, which was affected by three minor earthquakes on Monday. Reports suggest that the prisoners, frightened by the seismic activity, reacted violently and forced their escape.

As per various reports, 216 inmates managed to escape, with 78 being recaptured within the first 24 hours. Tragically, one inmate was shot dead during the escape attempt, and several policemen and inmates sustained injuries amid the chaos. Law enforcement is actively conducting door-to-door searches to locate those still at large, as stated by local media. The Malir facility, which is the second largest prison in Sindh, is currently overpopulated, housing around 5,000 inmates despite a capacity of only 2,200.

Malir Jail also accommodates over 100 Indian nationals, primarily impoverished fishermen accused of inadvertently crossing into Pakistani waters. A police representative noted that these individuals remained in their cells during the earthquake. Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah reported that over 600 inmates were evacuated from their barracks during the seismic event. In response to the jailbreak, a coordinated operation has been initiated to apprehend the remaining escapees, leading to the dismissal of the Inspector General of Prisons, the jail superintendent, and other senior officials.