Police investigate motive behind acid attack on Quetta doctor

QUETTA: Police are examining the motive behind the acid attack on a doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta, while also questioning hospital staff and people close to the suspected attacker as part of the investigation, officials said on Monday.

Dr Mahnoor Nasir, who belongs to Duki, was attacked while on duty on Saturday. The provincial government later shifted her to Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi for specialised treatment. Police have registered a case against the accused, identified as Humayun Shah, who was killed while attempting to flee.

A senior police officer said investigators were looking into every possible aspect of the case to determine what led to the attack and whether other individuals may have been involved.

“We are investigating the tragic incident, keeping in view all aspects to trace out the people who could be behind this episode,” a senior police officer said.

Balochistan Chief Minister visited the hospital on Sunday night to inquire after Dr Nasir’s health and assured full support for her treatment and recovery. On Monday, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail telephoned her father, Habibullah Khan Nasir, and offered arrangements for specialised treatment and plastic surgery abroad.

According to the governor, the provincial government has been covering all treatment-related expenses since the first day. He also said the administration was using all available resources to ensure the protection and dignity of doctors and paramedical workers in the province.

“The entire nation is proud of a brave daughter like Dr Mahnoor, and the people of Balochistan stand with her in this hour of difficulty,” Mandokhail said.

Doctors continue protest

Meanwhile, the Young Doctors Association continued its strike in government hospitals across Quetta. The association maintained a boycott of outpatient services and other departments and set up a protest camp on the Civil Hospital premises.

During the protest, doctors delivered speeches criticising health authorities and demanding stronger security arrangements at their workplaces.