Web Desk: A female doctor sustained serious burn injuries after an acid attack inside a government hospital in Quetta on Saturday, while the suspected assailant was later killed in a confrontation with law enforcement officers, police and hospital officials said.
The incident occurred at Civil Hospital Quetta, one of the province’s largest public healthcare facilities, triggering protests by medical staff and renewed concerns over workplace security.
Hospital officials identified the victim as Dr. Mahnoor Nasir, a postgraduate trainee working in the surgery department.
According to senior hospital authorities, the attack left her with extensive burns affecting multiple parts of her body, including her face, chest and legs. After receiving emergency medical care in Quetta, she was moved to a private medical facility and later flown to Karachi for advanced treatment.
Officials said her condition remained under close medical observation.
Investigators said the alleged attacker was an employee responsible for operating lifts at the hospital.
According to police, the suspect fled immediately after carrying out the assault. Security agencies later tracked him to an area where he was reportedly attempting to leave the city by bus.
Law enforcement officials said they ordered him to surrender, but he allegedly opened fire on officers. Police returned fire, and the suspect was killed during the exchange.
Authorities said they recovered a handgun, ammunition and spent shell casings from the scene. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive behind it.
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) said the incident took place shortly after midday within the hospital premises.
According to the association, the suspect approached the doctor’s office, knocked on the door and allegedly threw acid when she responded.
The attack occurred while Dr. Nasir was performing her professional duties, raising alarm among healthcare workers about their safety inside medical institutions.
Following the incident, doctors and paramedical staff suspended routine healthcare services and staged protests, while emergency and critical care units continued operating.
The YDA blamed what it described as inadequate security arrangements and administrative failures for allowing the attack to occur within a high-profile public hospital.
The association called for accountability and demanded action against senior health officials, including the provincial health secretary, the hospital’s medical superintendent and officials responsible for security management.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said security agencies responded swiftly after receiving information about the attack.
The incident has intensified calls for enhanced security measures at healthcare facilities across the province, particularly for female medical professionals working in public hospitals.
The YDA announced a peaceful protest march from Civil Hospital to the Quetta Press Club on Sunday to condemn the attack and press authorities for stronger safeguards for healthcare workers.
As investigations continue, medical professionals and civil society groups are urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents from occurring in healthcare institutions.
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