Sindh Minister for Prisons Ali Hassan Zardari has ordered the immediate arrest of Rashid Chingari, the head constable of Malir Jail, following his involvement in a major jailbreak involving 216 inmates. Authorities have recaptured 78 escapees, but 138 remain at large. The investigation into the 2025 Malir jailbreak has intensified since Zardari’s return from a medical check-up, with a sharp focus on possible internal collusion.
Investigators have identified Chingari as a key suspect during follow-up inquiries, despite his absence from the initial group of 23 suspended prison staff. These investigations have uncovered a network linking inmates with prison officials. In response, Zardari has instructed the DIG Prisons to suspend Chingari and launch a comprehensive probe. The minister has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, promising strict action against any officials found guilty.
Authorities have formed an inquiry committee, offering fugitives a 24-hour window to surrender and avoid a mandatory seven-year prison sentence.
Mali Jailbreak Incident and Aftermath
The jailbreak chaos erupted at 12:05 AM on June 2, when inmates vandalised Circles 2, 4, and 5, broke doors and grills, and damaged the administrative office. During the escape, 12 inmates sustained injuries and one, Tahir Khan, lost his life. ARY News’ exposé on Sindh prison corruption prompted the suspension of the IG Jails, DIG Jails, and Malir Jail Superintendent.
Read: Malir Jail Break: 45-50 Inmates Escape in Karachi
Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon has announced stringent new measures. Zardari’s crackdown aims to restore public trust, but significant challenges remain. The arrest order for Rashid Chingari underscores the government’s commitment to accountability.
The 2025 Malir jailbreak exposed deep-seated corruption within Sindh’s prison system, posing a serious threat to public safety. The ongoing investigation and Rashid Chingari’s arrest highlight Sindh’s resolve to reform its correctional institutions, which has drawn national attention to the pressing issues of prison security and governance in Karachi’s justice system.
