PMA demands judicial probe into acid attack on Dr Mahnoor

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has strongly condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer at Civil Hospital, demanding a judicial inquiry to bring the facts before the public. Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch, flanked by zone President Dr Nadir Khan Achakzai, Vice President Dr Zainat, Senior Vice President Dr Kamyab, Finance Secretary Dr Ashraf, Joint Secretary Dr Fayyaz, and Press Secretary Dr Munir Gichki, urged authorities to ensure the protection of the life and property of doctors, paramedics, and other hospital staff. Dr Baloch condemned what he termed the government’s “retaliatory actions” against doctors protesting for justice, stating such measures were unjustifiable. Read: Suspect killed in encounter after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta “Balochistan’s doctors and healthcare providers are demanding justice, protection, a transparent investigation, and reforms in the health department following the tragic on-duty attack on our colleague Dr Mahnoor Naseer,” he said. “Administrative powers and disciplinary proceedings are being used to suppress their voice; we condemn this.” He clarified that their peaceful struggle was not for any individual, group, or personal interest but for ensuring justice for Dr Mahnoor Naseer, protecting the lives and property of doctors and medical staff, promoting merit, transparency, and accountability, eliminating corruption, nepotism, and administrative irregularities, and providing better healthcare facilities to the people of Balochistan. “The attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer is not an attack on an individual alone; it is an attack on the entire medical fraternity, on the protection of women, and on the healthcare system itself,” he asserted. The incident occurred at Civil Hospital Quetta’s Surgical Complex, which houses five wards and three operating theatres. According to standard security protocols, at least seven to eight security guards should have been present for each ward and OT. “It is extremely regrettable that after the incident, not a single security guard was present, which not only exposes the administration’s gross negligence and incompetence but also raises serious questions and doubts. A complete and impartial investigation is indispensable,” Dr Baloch said. Also Read: Dr Mahnoor's first surgery completed after acid attack He further revealed that most CCTV cameras at Civil Hospital Quetta were non-functional or damaged. Video footage of the attack was obtained only from cameras installed by the Orthopaedic Ward using personal resources. The PMA demanded an immediate, independent, and impartial judicial inquiry into the Dr Mahnoor Naseer case. Immediate withdrawal of all show-cause notices, suspensions, and other administrative actions against doctors and healthcare providers. The doctors' body also demanded effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, and other medical staff across all government hospitals in Balochistan.

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