PMA seeks judicial inquiry into acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer

QUETTA: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer at Civil Hospital Quetta and called for a judicial inquiry into the incident, saying the facts must be brought before the public.

Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch, accompanied 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 the authorities to ensure the safety of doctors, paramedics and other hospital employees.

Dr Baloch also criticised what he described as retaliatory steps against doctors who had been protesting for justice, saying such actions were unjustified. He said doctors and healthcare workers in Balochistan were seeking justice, security, a transparent investigation and reforms in the health department after the attack on their colleague while she was on duty.

In his remarks, he said the doctors’ movement was not aimed at serving any individual, group or personal interest. Instead, he said, it was focused on securing justice for Dr Mahnoor Naseer, protecting the lives and property of doctors and medical staff, promoting merit, transparency and accountability, ending corruption, nepotism and administrative irregularities, and improving healthcare facilities for the people of Balochistan.

Attributing the remarks to Dr Baloch, the PMA said the assault on Dr Mahnoor Naseer was not limited to one individual but had wider implications for the medical community, women’s protection and the healthcare system.

“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.”

Security concerns at Civil Hospital

The PMA said the incident took place at the Surgical Complex of Civil Hospital Quetta, where five wards and three operating theatres are located. According to Dr Baloch, standard security arrangements required at least seven to eight guards for each ward and operating theatre.

He said it was deeply concerning that after the attack, not a single security guard was present, which, in his view, pointed to serious negligence and administrative failure and raised further questions about the circumstances of the case.

“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.

Dr Baloch further said that most CCTV cameras at Civil Hospital Quetta were either not working or had been damaged. He said footage of the attack was obtained only from cameras installed by the Orthopaedic Ward through personal resources.

PMA demands

The PMA demanded an immediate, independent and impartial judicial inquiry into the case involving Dr Mahnoor Naseer. It also called for the immediate withdrawal of show-cause notices, suspensions and other administrative measures taken against doctors and healthcare workers.

The association further asked the government to provide effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics and other medical staff in all government hospitals across Balochistan.