QUETTA: A female doctor who was targeted in an acid attack at a Quetta hospital is currently in stable health and receiving treatment at a private facility in Karachi, hospital officials confirmed. The victim, Dr. Mahnoor Nasir, was transported to Karachi via air ambulance after suffering severe burns during the assault at Sandeman Provincial Hospital.
Hospital medical teams, including reconstructive and eye specialists, have completed their initial evaluations. Dr. Nasir has burns covering her face, abdomen, legs, and right hand, and has been placed in a dedicated Special Care Unit for ongoing treatment. Reports indicate she suffered burns on approximately 13% of her body. While her eyes were affected by the acid, her eyesight remains unaffected, and she is not considered to be in immediate danger.
Following her arrival at the Karachi-based private hospital on University Road, doctors performed preliminary examinations and tests. She is expected to undergo further assessments after 24 hours, with her condition presently described as satisfactory. She will remain under close medical supervision for the next ten days, including the first two days in the ICU.
A case has been filed at Quetta’s Civil Lines police station concerning the attack, with police naming suspect Humayun Shah under Section 336-B. However, authorities reported that the suspect was killed during a confrontation while attempting to apprehend him.
Balochistan’s Health Minister, Bakht Kakar, stated that the accused had been harassing Dr. Nasir for several months, with evidence of threats found in messages recovered from his mobile device. While Balochistan has two dedicated burn centres, the victim was transferred to Karachi at her family’s request. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti assured the doctor and her family of full support, including comprehensive medical treatment.
Calls for stronger protective measures for female medical staff have grown louder, with medical groups emphasizing the need to prevent harassment and violence in healthcare facilities.
In a related development, Chief Minister Bugti spoke by phone with Abdul Razzaq Tareen, a staff member at Civil Hospital who sustained burns while attempting to rescue Dr. Nasir during the attack. The Chief Minister praised Tareen’s bravery and assured him that the provincial government would cover all treatment costs and facilitate treatment at top medical centers if necessary.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Balochistan, prompting the Young Doctors Association to suspend all non-emergency services in protest against the attack.
