KARACHI, June 4, 2025: Over 200 inmates escaped from Malir Jail on Monday midnight when an earthquake caused the prison authorities to bring the prisoners out of their barracks and into open areas. While around 80 of them are back behind bars, the remaining ones remain at large, for now.
READ MORE: Over 200 Inmates Flee Karachi’s Malir Jail
The incident has captured much of media attention since then, with the government scrambling to improve the prison laws to prevent such incidents in the future. Today (Wednesday), Sindh Acting Governor Owais Qadir Shah has issued ‘Sindh Prisons and Corrections Amendment Ordinance 2025’, changing prison laws for the province.
A major chunk of the ordinance pertains to the appointments of police officials in Sindh. The new law says that Sindh Chief Minister will appoint the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of prisons.
Pakistan Administrative Services (PAS), Police Services of Pakistan (PSP) and Provincial Services officers will be considered for these appointments.
Moreover, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) will also be appointed from PAS or PSP services.
READ MORE: Karachi Shaken Again: Seventh Earthquake Hits Malir in a Week
Sindh Chief Minister will also appoint officers in 21st and 20th grades.
However, the appointment of grade-18 Assistant Inspector General (AIG) as well as the Prison Superintendent will be made by the Minister for Prisons.
