Sindh Prisons law changed after Malir Jail incident

KARACHI: The prison law in Sindh province has been changed after the Malir Jail incident. Sindh Acting Governor Owais Qadir Shah issued the ordinance amending the jail law.

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.

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.

Sindh Chief Minister will appoint officers in 21st and 20th grades.

Moreover, the ordinance states that one Assistant Inspector General (AIG), of Grade 18, will be appointed by the Minister for Prisons. Prison Superintendent will be appointed by the Minister for Prisons as well.

On Monday, as many as 210 inmates escaped from Malir Jail, after a minor earthquake led to inmates being brought out of their barracks. Of the total 6,022 inmates at Malir Jail, 210 managed to flee. Out of those, Sindh Police have since rearrested 78, while three prisoners voluntarily returned.

A total of 129 inmates still remain at large, according to a senior law enforcement officer who requested anonymity.

Also read: 129 inmates still at large after Malir jailbreak