Doctors Warn of Nationwide Protests Over Colleague’s Murder

Healthcare Workers Demand Justice and Protection Amid Rising Violence

Doctors across Pakistan are raising their voices after the tragic murder of Dr Mehwish Hasnain, who was killed while returning home from duty at KDA Hospital in Kohat. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) have issued a stern warning: if the culprits are not arrested within 72 hours, nationwide protests will follow.

At a press conference in Karachi, medical leaders condemned what they described as government apathy. They emphasized that the killing of Dr Mehwish is not just a personal tragedy but a reflection of the growing insecurity faced by healthcare providers. “This is a dark stain on the conscience of the state,” said Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, PMA-Centre secretary general, stressing that doctors cannot continue to serve under constant threat.

The PMA is demanding fast-track trials and exemplary punishment for those involved in attacks on healthcare workers. They also called for hospitals to be declared protection zones, staffed with trained security personnel to safeguard doctors, nurses, and patients alike.

Statistics highlight the severity of the crisis. Between 2012 and 2014, Karachi alone witnessed 130 doctors killed and 150 kidnapped. More recently, violence against healthcare workers has surged, with fatalities rising sharply between 2023 and 2024. Attacks on vaccination teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan further underscore the dangers, with 25 incidents targeting polio campaigns in 2024 alone.

Dr Ismail Memon, President of PMA-Karachi, lamented that doctors have long endured poor working conditions, yet now face threats to their very lives. “The healer has become the victim,” he said, warning that many talented professionals are leaving Pakistan due to the hostile environment.

Women in healthcare face additional challenges. Prof Shahbeen Naz Masood of SOGP highlighted that female doctors and medical staff feel increasingly unsafe, urging the government to prioritize the protection of all working women.

The medical community’s message is clear: without urgent action, Pakistan risks losing its brightest minds to violence and neglect. Justice for Dr Mehwish Hasnain is not only about one life—it is about safeguarding the future of healthcare in the country.