The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has voiced deep concern after an acid attack on a female doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta, warning that hate-driven narratives and social media trials are creating an atmosphere that encourages violence. PIMA said these trends must be addressed immediately to protect doctors working across the country.
Prof Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, Central President of PIMA, condemned the attack and highlighted a disturbing rise in incidents of violence, harassment, threats and character assassination targeting medical professionals. He said that in a country already short of doctors, such attacks demoralize staff and further weaken an overstretched health system operating with limited resources and insecure working conditions.
During a two-day Central Executive Council meeting in Islamabad, PIMA reviewed national activities, professional development programmes, organisational affairs and public health awareness campaigns, as well as medical relief projects being carried out domestically and abroad, including in Gaza. The proceedings were conducted by Dr Ahmad Salman Ghauri, Central General Secretary, with assistance from Prof Muhammad Tayyab, Central Vice President.
PIMA expressed full solidarity with Dr Mahnoor and her family and demanded immediate, effective security measures to protect doctors and healthcare staff in hospitals nationwide. The association warned that mere condemnatory statements and routine administrative responses are no longer acceptable; concrete steps are required to protect doctors and restore trust.
The council urged authorities to implement robust hospital security plans, ensure accountability for attacks, and confront online hate that fuels real-world violence. PIMA emphasised that protecting doctors is essential not only for the safety of individual professionals but also for preserving the continuity and resilience of Pakistan’s healthcare services.
