A postgraduate doctor was seriously injured when an attacker threw acid at her while she was on duty in the surgical ward of Sandeman Civil Hospital, the largest public health facility in Balochistan. The suspect fled the scene but was later killed in an exchange of gunfire with police, authorities said.
According to police, the attack occurred while the doctor was on duty at the province’s largest government-run health center. The suspect threw acid at the doctor and fled the scene.
The injured doctor was identified as Dr. Mahnoor, a postgraduate student. She received initial medical treatment before being transferred to a private hospital, where doctors said approximately 35% of her face and body had suffered burns.
Read: Alleged acid attacker killed
Police said CCTV footage of the incident had emerged, showing the alleged attacker fleeing after carrying out the assault.
Following the attack, law enforcement agencies launched search and intelligence operations throughout the city to locate the suspect.
According to police, the alleged suspect was later killed in an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers near the Nushki bus stop.
Authorities said an attempt was made to arrest the suspect, but he allegedly resisted, resulting in the encounter.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Sarfaraz Bugti took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the concerned authorities.
According to Prime Minister’s Spokesperson and Advisor Shahid Rind, Dr Mahnoor was flown to Karachi in a special air ambulance to ensure access to advanced medical treatment.
“Arrangements were made to provide the injured doctor with the best medical facilities available and she was shifted to Karachi for further treatment,” he said.
The incident sparked a strong reaction from the Young Doctors Association (YDA), which called the attack a serious security breach.
The association claimed that the suspect worked as a private elevator operator at the hospital and alleged that the attack was carried out with the intention of killing the doctor.
The YDA leaders demanded immediate transfer of the health secretary and the medical superintendent of the Civil Hospital, and called for a transparent judicial inquiry into the incident.
The association criticized the government for what it described as inadequate safety measures in public hospitals and announced a strike in response to the incident.
“This attack reflects a complete failure of security measures in hospitals,” the association said, urging authorities to determine responsibilities and ensure accountability.
YDA representatives said repeated concerns about the protection of medical staff had not been addressed and demanded stricter security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The YDA warned that if its demands were not met, doctors across Balochistan would suspend services in government hospitals except emergency care.
“Medical services will be suspended in all public hospitals in the province, except emergency services, if concrete measures are not taken,” the association stated.
The acid attack has renewed concerns over the workplace safety of healthcare professionals in Balochistan, with doctors calling for immediate action to ensure protection and justice.
