A woman doctor who was attacked with acid at a hospital in Quetta is out of danger and receiving treatment in Karachi, according to hospital sources.
The incident has sparked outrage among the medical community and prompted protests by doctors in Balochistan.
Dr. Mah Noor, a postgraduate trainee doctor, was shifted to a private hospital in Karachi after receiving initial treatment in Quetta following the acid attack.
Hospital sources said the doctor suffered around 13 percent burns and is currently being treated in the plastic surgery ward. Her condition is stable and she remains under close observation by a team of specialist doctors.
Sources added that while her eyes were affected in the attack, her vision remains safe.
According to hospital administration officials, Dr. Mah Noor's condition is being continuously monitored and medical experts are providing all necessary treatment.
The doctor was airlifted to Karachi after emergency arrangements were made to ensure she received specialized care.
Acid attack at Quetta hospital
The attack took place at Sandeman Provincial Hospital in Quetta's General Surgery Unit, where an employee allegedly threw acid on the female doctor.
Police said the suspect fled the hospital immediately after the attack.
A senior hospital official told Dawn that the doctor suffered burn injuries to her face, chest, legs and other parts of her body before being shifted for treatment.
Suspect killed in police encounter
According to police, the accused, identified as Humayun Shah, was traced while allegedly attempting to flee Quetta by bus.
Police said officers asked him to surrender, but he opened fire on the police team. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the suspect was killed.
DIG Quetta Imran Shaukat said the accused was killed while trying to escape the city.
Doctors boycott duties in protest
The incident triggered strong reactions from the medical community.
The Young Doctors Association in Quetta announced a boycott of duties in outpatient departments and hospital wards in protest against the attack.
Doctors have also demanded stronger security measures for healthcare workers across the province.
Government takes notice
Sarfraz Bugti and Bakht Kakar strongly condemned the attack and directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured doctor.
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government said the provincial government would bear all treatment expenses and that investigations are continuing from multiple angles.
