Postgraduate doctor injured in acid attack at Quetta hospital; suspect killed during police operation

A postgraduate female doctor sustained serious injuries after being attacked with acid while performing her duties at Civil Sandeman Hospital,

Quetta: A postgraduate female doctor sustained serious injuries after being attacked with acid while performing her duties at Civil Sandeman Hospital, the largest public healthcare facility in Balochistan. The shocking incident has sparked widespread concern among the medical community and raised questions about the safety and security of healthcare workers in the province.

According to police officials, the attack occurred inside the surgical ward of Civil Sandmen Hospital while the doctor was on duty. The assailant allegedly approached the victim and threw acid on her before fleeing the scene. Hospital staff immediately responded to the emergency and provided initial medical assistance to the injured doctor.

The victim was identified as Dr. Mahnoor, a postgraduate trainee doctor. Following first aid treatment, she was transferred to a private medical facility for specialized care. Doctors treating her reported that approximately 35 percent of her face and body suffered burn injuries as a result of the acid attack. Medical experts described her condition as serious and requiring advanced treatment.

Investigators later obtained CCTV footage from the hospital, which reportedly captured the suspect leaving the premises shortly after carrying out the attack. The footage became a crucial part of the investigation and assisted law enforcement agencies in identifying and tracking the alleged attacker.

Following the incident, police and security agencies launched extensive search operations and intelligence-based investigations across Quetta to locate the suspect. Authorities intensified efforts to apprehend the individual, considering the seriousness of the crime and the public outrage it generated.

According to police, the suspected attacker was later traced near the Nushki bus stand. Authorities stated that an attempt was made to arrest him; however, he allegedly resisted law enforcement personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, the suspect was killed.

The incident drew immediate attention from Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Sarfaraz Bugti, who ordered a detailed report from the relevant departments and directed authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. According to government spokesperson and adviser Shahid Rind, arrangements were made to transfer Dr. Mahnoor to Karachi through a special air ambulance so that she could receive advanced medical treatment unavailable locally.

Rind stated that the provincial government is committed to providing the doctor with the best possible healthcare facilities and ensuring that all necessary medical resources are made available for her recovery.

The attack has also prompted a strong response from the Young Doctors Association (YDA), which condemned the incident and described it as a major failure of hospital security. The association alleged that the suspect was employed as a private lift operator within the hospital and claimed that the attack appeared to be a deliberate attempt to kill the doctor.

YDA leaders demanded immediate administrative action, including the transfer of the provincial health secretary and the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital. They also called for an independent and transparent judicial inquiry to determine how such an attack could occur within a government healthcare facility.

The association warned that repeated concerns regarding the protection of medical professionals have largely been ignored. It urged authorities to implement stronger security measures in hospitals to safeguard doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff.

The Young Doctors Association further cautioned that if concrete action is not taken and those responsible are not held accountable, doctors across Balochistan may suspend services at public hospitals, with only emergency care remaining operational.

The incident has reignited concerns about workplace safety for healthcare professionals and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security arrangements in hospitals across the province.