QUETTA: The shocking acid attack on a female postgraduate doctor inside Civil Hospital Quetta has triggered widespread condemnation across Pakistan and prompted protests by the Young Doctors Association (YDA), reigniting concerns over the safety of healthcare workers, particularly female medical professionals, in public hospitals.
The victim, identified by multiple media reports as Dr. Mahnoor Nasir, sustained severe burn injuries after an individual allegedly threw acid at her while she was performing her duties at the surgical ward of Civil Hospital Quetta. According to hospital and police officials quoted by various news organizations, the attack took place during working hours inside one of Balochistan’s largest public healthcare facilities.
Following the incident, the injured doctor received initial treatment in Quetta before provincial authorities arranged for her transfer to Karachi through an air ambulance for specialized medical care. Government officials stated that all treatment expenses would be borne by the provincial administration.
Law enforcement agencies launched an immediate operation to apprehend the suspect. Police later confirmed that the alleged attacker died during an encounter after reportedly opening fire on officers attempting to arrest him while he was trying to flee the city. Authorities said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack remains ongoing.
The incident has sparked outrage within the medical community. The Young Doctors Association Balochistan strongly condemned the assault, describing it as a serious failure of hospital security and demanding stronger protection measures for healthcare workers.
As part of their protest, YDA members announced a boycott of routine medical services across government hospitals in Balochistan, while emergency and critical care services continued to operate. Doctors held demonstrations, calling on the provincial government to ensure the safety of medical professionals and to implement effective security protocols in healthcare institutions.
YDA representatives warned that repeated incidents of violence against healthcare workers have created an atmosphere of fear among medical staff, especially female doctors working in public sector hospitals. They urged authorities to establish comprehensive security mechanisms, including enhanced surveillance systems, stricter access controls, and dedicated security personnel at medical facilities.
The attack has also drawn reactions from provincial leadership. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the incident and directed relevant departments to provide the best possible treatment to the injured doctor while ensuring a thorough investigation into the case.
The acid attack has reignited a broader national conversation about workplace safety, violence against women, and the protection of frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan. Medical professionals and civil society members have emphasized the need for long-term institutional reforms to create safer working environments within hospitals.
Healthcare experts note that doctors and medical staff often face security challenges while performing their duties, highlighting the importance of stronger legal protections and effective enforcement mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the medical community in Balochistan maintains that ensuring the security of healthcare professionals is essential for the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to the public.
