Acid attack on female doctor sparks protest in Quetta

QUETTA:

A female postgraduate trainee doctor was injured in an acid attack at Civil Hospital Quetta, sparking protests among doctors and raising serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in public hospitals.

According to officials, the incident took place inside Civil Hospital Quetta, where the female doctor was targeted in a shocking attack while performing her duties. Soon after the incident, police launched an operation to trace the suspect.

The prime suspect in the recent acid attack on a female doctor, Humayun Shah, was killed in a police encounter near Noshki bus stop after opening fire on law enforcers during a district-wide manhunt.

Assistant to the Chief Minister of Balochistan on Media and Political Affairs, Shahid Rind, confirmed that police acted swiftly and killed the alleged attacker shortly after the incident.

Police said on Saturday that a search was underway across the district to arrest Shah when he was spotted near the bus stop. Instead of surrendering, the accused opened fire on personnel.

According to the officials, the force retaliated, and Shah was killed in the exchange of fire. A pistol, four live rounds and two spent bullet casings were recovered from the scene.

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Kechi Baig Police Station, in the Musa Colony area of Sariab Road, near the Radio Transmission ground. The body of the deceased accused was shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta for legal and medical formalities. He said CCTV footage and other evidence were used to identify and track the suspect, leading to immediate action by law enforcement agencies.

Following the attack, the injured doctor was initially provided medical treatment in Quetta before being shifted to Karachi for advanced care.