An acid attack targeting a female doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta has ignited widespread outrage within the medical community, prompting protests by young doctors and emergency government interventions. The victim, postgraduate trainee Dr. Maah Noor, suffered severe injuries after an unidentified assailant threw acid on her in the hospital’s surgical ward before fleeing the scene.
Another individual was reportedly injured during the attack, which has triggered a police investigation to uncover the motive. The victim sustained burns over approximately 35 percent of her body and was initially moved to a private hospital due to insufficient facilities at Civil Hospital. Subsequently, on the orders of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, she was airlifted to Karachi via a People’s Air Ambulance for specialized medical care under expert supervision.
The provincial administration is closely monitoring Dr. Noor’s condition and providing comprehensive support to her family. The Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain constant communication with the family and ensure all necessary assistance is extended.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated at Civil Hospital when members of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) protested during a scheduled press briefing by senior officials, including the Deputy Inspector General Quetta, the health secretary, and a government spokesperson. The doctors blocked the officials, chanted slogans, and forced the cancellation of the briefing after negotiations failed. The officials were then escorted out of the hospital premises.
YDA President Dr. Hii Baloch claimed the attacker was a lift operator and private employee, describing the incident as a “planned attempt to kill the doctor.” He highlighted the unsafe conditions for medical staff inside the hospital and demanded a judicial commission to investigate the attack. The association also called for the immediate removal of senior health officials, including the health secretary, medical superintendent, and security in-charge. They announced a boycott of all medical services except emergency care, warning of a total shutdown if arrests were not made within 12 hours.
In a significant development, police confirmed that the suspected attacker was killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcement following the incident. The suspect had been wanted in connection with the acid attack. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events and identify any other involved parties.
Chief Minister Bugti emphasized that there would be “no compromise on the law” and assured that those involved in violence against women, particularly healthcare workers, will face justice. The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding doctors and medical personnel.
Authorities are implementing emergency measures to enhance hospital security across Balochistan in response to the attack, which has reignited concerns about the safety of staff in public healthcare facilities.
