Doctors announce protest rally in Quetta over attack on colleague

The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has announced a protest rally in Quetta on June 12, alongside a province-wide boycott of outpatient services in government hospitals.

The Young Doctors Association (YDA) has announced a protest rally in Quetta on June 12, alongside a province-wide boycott of outpatient services in government hospitals.

The announcement came after the acid attack on Dr Mah Noor in Quetta, which has triggered strong anger within the medical community. The YDA leadership accused authorities of failing to take the issue seriously or address their concerns.

Addressing a press conference at a protest camp outside Civil Sandeman Hospital, YDA President Dr Hai Baloch strongly criticized the government’s response. He said the lack of action and what he described as an “irresponsible attitude” had forced doctors to escalate their protest.

He stated that the attack on Dr Mah Noor Naseer was not only a criminal act but also an assault on professional dignity and social values. He added that repeated appeals for justice had gone unanswered.

The YDA announced that the protest rally will begin at 2 pm from Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Mian Ghundi, and will conclude at the Quetta Press Club. The association also demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident.

Doctors have also called for immediate measures to improve security in hospitals and ensure protection for medical staff across the province. They warned that continued neglect of their demands could further intensify their movement.

As part of their protest strategy, the YDA has decided to boycott outpatient departments (OPDs) and routine services in all government hospitals. However, emergency units, trauma care, and gynaecology wards will continue to function to avoid disruption of critical care services.

The association said the protest will continue until their demands are addressed and concrete action is taken by the authorities.