A postgraduate female doctor was critically injured when an attacker threw acid on her while she was on duty at the surgical ward of Civil Sandeman Hospital, Balochistan’s largest public health facility. The suspect fled the scene but was later killed in an exchange of fire with police, authorities said.
According to police, the attack occurred while the doctor was on duty at the province’s largest government-run healthcare facility. The suspect threw acid on the doctor and fled the scene.
The injured doctor was identified as Dr Mahnoor, a postgraduate trainee. She was provided initial medical treatment before being taken to a private hospital, where doctors said approximately 35% of her face and body had sustained burn injuries.
Read: Suspected acid attacker killed
Police said CCTV footage of the incident had surfaced, showing the alleged attacker fleeing after carrying out the assault.
Following the attack, law enforcement agencies launched search and intelligence-based operations across the city to trace the suspect.
According to police, the alleged suspect was later killed in an exchange of fire with law enforcement personnel near the Nushki bus stand.
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 relevant authorities.
According to the chief minister’s spokesman and adviser, Shahid Rind, Dr Mahnoor was taken to Karachi through a special air ambulance to ensure access to advanced medical treatment.
“Arrangements were made to provide the injured doctor with the best available medical facilities, and she has been transferred to Karachi for further treatment,” he said.
The incident triggered a strong reaction from the Young Doctors Association (YDA), which described the attack as a serious security lapse.
The association claimed that the suspect worked as a private lift operator at the hospital and alleged that the attack was carried out with the intention of killing the doctor.
YDA leaders demanded the immediate transfer of the health secretary and the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital, calling for a transparent judicial inquiry into the incident.
The association criticised the government for what it described as inadequate security measures in public hospitals and announced a strike in response to the incident.
“This attack reflects a complete failure of security arrangements in hospitals,” the association said, urging authorities to fix responsibility and ensure accountability.
YDA representatives said that repeated concerns about the protection of medical staff had not been addressed and demanded stronger 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 at government hospitals, except emergency care.
“Medical services across the province’s public hospitals will be halted, except emergency services, if concrete action is not taken,” the association said.
The acid attack has renewed concerns about workplace safety for healthcare professionals in Balochistan, with doctors calling for immediate measures to ensure protection and justice.
