Point-blank range: Fourth doctor shot dead in targeted attack

Dr Shaikh was on his way home after closing up the clinic when two men opened fire at him

KARACHI:

Dr Farooq Ahmed Shaikh, 55, was on his way home after work around 1:45am when he was shot dead in a target attack in Federal B Area.

This is the fourth such incident to have taken place in the city since the beginning of the year.

The incident took place half a kilometre away from the offices of the District Central SSP and DIG when Dr Shaikh, a diabetes specialist, was on the way to his residence in Block 13, Gulberg. He had shut down his clinic - Gulberg Diabetic and Health Care Centre, for the day in Block 12 when assailants opened fire at his silver Toyota Vitz - nearly 200 metres from his house.



Sources claim that Dr Shaikh had been running his clinic in the area for the last 15 years and was on his way home well after midnight as per routine. "After he left the clinic, he went to a milk shop nearby to have a bottle of milk before leaving for home," said a witness.

According to other witnesses, two men - one dressed in a while shalwar kameez and another wearing trousers and a shirt, riding a motorcycle were behind the incident.

"We were playing badminton when we heard the gunshots," said Ayaz, a witness. "A security guard who was present in the area fired back but the assailants had fled." He added that the doctor was found injured in the car's driving seat. He was taken to Mamji Hospital immediately for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. He was shot once each in his chest, head and neck.

Dr Shaikh also ran an outpatient clinic at the Mamji Hospital. The hospital's administration said they were shocked. "How can anyone kill a man who had dedicated his life to saving others?" said Muhammad Rafiq, a member of the administration. "He was a man who did not charge most of his patients."

Dr Shaikh's death has caused several other doctors who work in the area to worry. "He was killed because of extortion," said a colleague of the doctor's. "I am confused about what I should do now. Should I still go to my clinic and see my patients or should I stay at home with my family?"

The Pakistan Medical Association has warned of a shutdown in the city if nothing is done to protect medical professionals.

"We don't actually want to shut down any medical facilities in the city as that would harm the citizens," said PMA's Qaiser Sajjad. "But it looks like we have no other choice." He added that doctors should not be targeted and the government should provide families with compensation.

In 2014, 17 doctors were shot dead in targeted attacks in different parts of the city. Since the beginning of the year, four doctors, including Shaikh, have been killed. The police claim several killings were related to extortion while some were sectarian cases.

While talking to The Express Tribune, SHO Athar Malik said that they were trying to arrest the killers and protect the doctors. A case has yet to be registered.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2015.