Over 200 inmates escape Pakistani prison after earthquake
Share this @internewscast.com

PESHAWAR, Pakistan — In excess of 200 prisoners managed to break out of a correctional facility in Pakistan on Monday following a series of tremors that hit the southern port city of Karachi, causing widespread alarm, as per local officials.

With more than 600 prisoners at Malir jail being relocated to another part of the prison for their safety in the wake of the quake, numerous inmates made an attempt to escape, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, the interior minister of Sindh province, explained to reporters on Tuesday.

Currently, 80 of the fugitives have been recaptured, according to jail superintendent Arshad Shah, who addressed the media in Karachi and stated that “intense efforts continue to apprehend the remaining 136 inmates.”

One inmate was killed and 22 others, including prison and police personnel, were wounded in the ensuing chaos Monday night, Lanjar told reporters.

Members of media are seen through a broken glass window inside the premises of the district Malir jail after dozens of prisoners escaped from the jail on the outskirts of Karachi
A broken glass window inside the prison.Akhtar Soomro / REUTERS

Ghulam Nabi Memon, the Sindh province police chief, said most of the inmates were facing drug charges and other smaller cases.

Memon said authorities have data on who exactly has escaped and will be able to bring them back.

“There will be an inquiry to see why and how this happened,” he said.

Sharjeel Inam Memon, the Sindh province information minister, said the inmates would be safe from government action if they returned to the prison within 24 hours, warning of strict punishment for those who did not.

Karachi experienced multiple mild and shallow earthquakes over the past day up to 3.4 in magnitude, according to Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Center.

Prison breaks are rare in Pakistan, where security has been ramped up since 2013, when the Pakistani Taliban helped 200 inmates break free during an attack on a prison in another province.

Mushtaq Yusufzai reported from Peshawar, Pakistan, and Mithil Aggarwal reported from Hong Kong.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“Texas Legislators Express Heartache Over Fatal Flooding”

Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took a break from…

How Los Angeles’ Iranian Community Faces Challenges Amid a Fragile Israel-Iran Ceasefire

LOS ANGELES – “Tehrangeles” in West Los Angeles is home to the…

VIDEO: Fireworks mishap at Boone Lake leaves 2 injured

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A fireworks incident at the Boone Lake…

“DA Cook Jones Criticizes Leaders’ Statements as ‘Premature and Problematic'”

SAVANNAH, Ga. — After the incident at Oglethorpe Mall, Chatham County District…

Several Fatalities Reported in Texas Floods; Campers Still Missing

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

20% of new car buyers are opting for $1,000 monthly payments

(NewsNation) — Once considered rare, $1,000 car payments are fast becoming the…

2 Dead in Texas Floods, Over 10 People Missing

AUSTIN (KXAN) – At least two people have died and 10 others…

Volusia County Volunteers Clean Up Beaches Post-July 4th Celebrations

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Choosing to volunteer over relaxing by the shore,…

Tropical Storm Chantal Gains Strength Approaching South Carolina Landfall

MIAMI – Tropical Storm Chantal intensified as it neared the southeastern coast…

Sonoma State University Student Injured in Tornado: Family Reflects on Recovery Process

A Savannah State University student, Malachi Chaney, is on the road to…

"Challenging Day Ahead: Search Continues for Missing Children and Adults in Kerrville"

AUSTIN (KXAN) The city of Kerrville and Kerr County provided another update…

“Search for Missing Children and Adults Continues Today in Kerrville: Expect Challenges”

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Kerrville and Kerr County provided another…