KUWAIT CITY, July 12: A 26-year-old Pakistani, identified as Mohamed Nawaz and on death row for drug trafficking, escaped upon arrival at Al-Bahar Hospital where he was supposed to undergo eye treatment Sunday. Security sources revealed the Central Jail guards escorted the Pakistani and three other inmates to the hospital as they needed treatment for the eyes. Sources said the prisoners were walking from the gate to the hospital when the Pakistani broke the shackles binding his legs and escaped on foot. The jail guards tightened security on the three other prisoners to prevent them from following the Pakistani.

Sources revealed a security guard chased the Pakistani but he was nowhere in sight as he hid behind cars at Al-Sabah Hospital, which was crowded at the time. The Central Jail administration quickly reported the incident to the security authorities, who deployed a large number of security officers to comb the area but they did not find the fugitive. Sources said two security guards were referred to the Public Prosecution for investigation. Sources disclosed the fugitive left the prison shirt that he was wearing near the hospital, raising suspicion that he planned the escape with the help of another person. Pictures of the fugitive have been distributed to various checkpoints and security departments to ease procedures for his arrest. Sources said the fugitive’s family is residing in Kuwait and investigators have summoned his father for questioning. Sources added the suspect was arrested last year for trading in drugs and he was sentenced to death. The ministry has urged Kuwaiti citizens and foreign residents to call security agencies immediately if they have information on the escapee.