IG Prisons removed, DIG and jail officials suspended after Karachi jailbreak

Karachi: Senior Sindh Minister and Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that following the recent jailbreak incident at District Jail Malir, the Sindh government has removed Inspector General (IG) Prisons Qazi Nazir Ahmed from his position.

Additionally, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prisons Hassan Sahito, Superintendent Jail Arshad Hussain, and several other officials have been suspended.

While speaking to the media, Sharjeel Memon said that a two-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee comprises Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi and Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, who will submit their report to the Sindh government.

Sharjeel Memon stated that any escaped prisoners who voluntarily return to jail by tonight will not face any action. However, those who fail to surrender will face charges under prison escape laws, which carry up to seven years of imprisonment. He added that anti-terrorism provisions may also be included in the cases.

He urged the escaped prisoners to surrender in order to avoid harsher punishments.

The jailbreak occurred last night at Malir District Jail in Karachi, when prisoners were moved out of their barracks following an earthquake. In the ensuing confusion, over 200 inmates escaped, though 78 were later recaptured. Special teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining fugitives.