PMA Demands Judicial Inquiry into Acid Attack on Woman Doctor as Protest Continues Across Balochistan

Quetta: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has expressed grave concern over the government’s failure to arrest those responsible for the acid attack on a woman doctor, despite 21 days having passed since the incident.

In a statement, the PMA spokesperson said the Balochistan government has neither brought the culprits to justice nor made meaningful progress on the medical community’s legitimate demands. The association criticized what it described as the government’s indifference and lack of seriousness, saying doctors across the province remain on protest.

The spokesperson said that sit-ins organized by the Young Doctors Association (YDA) and the PMA Quetta Branch have resulted in the suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services across Balochistan. However, emergency services, indoor patient care, hospital wards, operation theatres, dialysis units, and other essential medical services continue to function normally to ensure that patients are not deprived of life-saving treatment.

The PMA reiterated that its demands are neither unconstitutional nor unreasonable. It called for a transparent and impartial judicial inquiry into the acid attack and demanded that the Secretary Health and the Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Quetta be removed from their positions until the inquiry is completed to prevent any influence or interference in the investigation.

The association also condemned the suspension and disciplinary action taken against more than 30 senior doctors and officials in Grades 18, 19, and 20, alleging that the government had targeted them to protect a single official. The PMA termed the move unjust and an insult to the entire medical community.

The PMA Quetta Zone has convened a General Body meeting at Civil Hospital Quetta on Monday, urging all members to attend. The meeting will discuss the future course of action, including a possible long march to Islamabad, expansion of the protest campaign, and other organizational decisions.

The association also announced a protest rally to be held on Tuesday from Civil Hospital Quetta and appealed to doctors, medical organizations, and healthcare professionals to participate in large numbers to demonstrate unity and defend the dignity of the profession.

The PMA once again appealed to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Chief Secretary, the Provincial Health Minister, the Chief Justice of Balochistan, and other relevant authorities to take personal notice of the matter and ensure immediate and fair action. It emphasized that the medical community is demanding only justice, transparent investigations, and improved security for healthcare professionals.

The association urged the government to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than delay and confrontation so that doctors can fully resume medical services for the public.