An acid attack on a female doctor inside Quetta’s Civil Hospital sparked widespread protests across Balochistan on Sunday, with the Young Doctors Association (YDA) announcing a boycott of outpatient department (OPD) services at government hospitals throughout the province.
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The YDA suspended all routine services in public hospitals, while emergency and critical care facilities continued to operate. The protest was launched in response to the attack on Dr. Mah Noor, who was targeted inside the hospital premises, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare professionals.
Doctors and hospital staff staged a protest rally in Quetta, demanding immediate action against those responsible and stronger security measures at medical facilities. Protesters also called for accountability from health authorities and urged the government to improve protection for doctors working in public hospitals.
The demonstration included demands for the suspension of key officials, including the provincial health secretary, the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital and the official responsible for hospital security. Participants argued that healthcare workers should be able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
Balochistan Home Affairs Adviser Babar Yousafzai said the provincial government was taking the matter seriously and confirmed that Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti would meet representatives of the doctors upon his arrival in Quetta. He added that the government was prepared to consider and address legitimate concerns raised by the medical community.
According to an initial medical assessment, Dr. Mah Noor is out of danger and remains in satisfactory condition. She is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Karachi, where doctors continue to monitor her recovery.
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In a separate development, the Balochistan chief minister announced a civil award for Abdul Razzaq Tareen in recognition of his courage and efforts in helping save the doctor’s life during the incident.
The attack has renewed calls for enhanced security measures at hospitals and stronger protections for healthcare workers across the province.