Over 200 inmates escape Pakistani prison after earthquake

In Pakistan, over 200 inmates escaped from a prison in Karachi on Monday following earthquakes that rattled the city. The Malir prison was transferring 600 inmates to a secure area when some tried to flee during the tremors, according to Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, the Sindh province’s interior minister. Authorities have managed to recapture 80 escapees, with efforts ongoing to arrest the remaining 136 prisoners. One inmate was killed and 22 others, including prison and police staff, were injured during the chaos. Most of the escaped inmates were facing drug charges and minor offenses, stated Ghulam Nabi Memon, the Sindh province police chief. Officials have identified the escapees and plan to bring them back, and an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident. The Sindh province information minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, warned of severe consequences for those who do not return within 24 hours. Karachi had experienced several minor earthquakes prior to the prison break. Security measures in Pakistan have been enhanced since 2013, when the Pakistani Taliban orchestrated a jailbreak in another province.