Over 200 inmates had escaped Malir Jail after the prisoner authorities brought out more than 6,000 prisoners out of their jail cells on Monday midnight. The move was a response to earthquake shocks – rare occurrence for Karachi.
As per latest reports, 126 prisoners out of those who had escaped in the scuffle have been re-arrested, the Malir Jail administration said on Thursday.
However, 90 prisoners still remain at large, and search is ongoing to bring them behind bars again.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Acting Governor Owais Qadir Shah issued has amended the prisons law in the province by issuing an ordinance. The move came in response to the Malir Jail incident, to ensure that such an event does not happen again.
A major chunk of the ordinance dictates the appointment of senior officers in the prisons department. Called, ‘Sindh Prisons and Corrections Amendment Ordinance 2025’, the new law dictates that Sindh Chief Minister will have the authority to appoint Inspector General (IG) of prisons and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons.
Moreover, now the officers from Pakistan Administrative Services (PAS), Police Services of Pakistan (PSP) and Provincial Services will be qualified for appointment. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) will also be appointed from PAS or PSP.
CM will also appoint officers in 21st and 20th grades. However, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and Prison Superintendent will be appointed by the Minister for Prisons.