The Balochistan government announced on Friday that Dr. Mahnoor Naseer, a physician critically injured in an acid attack at Quetta’s Civil Sandeman Hospital, will be transferred to the United States for specialized medical care. The decision follows a targeted assault on the doctor while she was on duty in the hospital’s surgical ward last week.
How the incident unfolded in Quetta
According to provincial officials, the attack occurred within the hospital’s surgical complex, which contains five wards and three operating theatres. Standard security protocols for the facility require seven to eight guards per ward and theatre. Following the assault, Dr. Mahnoor was airlifted to Karachi for treatment at a private hospital, where she underwent surgery. The prime suspect, identified as Humayun Shah, was killed by police during an encounter near the Noshki bus stop following a district-wide search, officials reported.
Government response and medical support
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti directed the government to facilitate the doctor’s transfer, stating that all necessary arrangements for her treatment abroad are finalized. In a statement released on June 19, 2026, the Balochistan government emphasized its commitment to supporting Dr. Mahnoor “at every step” based on principles of “humanity, compassion and service.” Additionally, the government recognized hospital employee Abdul Razzaq Tarakai, who was injured while attempting to protect the doctor, with a civil award for his bravery.
Why the medical community is demanding an inquiry
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has expressed strong condemnation regarding the security failure at the hospital. The association has formally demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident to bring the facts to the public. The call for an investigation highlights concerns regarding the safety of medical personnel within the hospital’s surgical complex, where the attack occurred during routine duties.
What happens next for the investigation and care
With the primary suspect deceased, the focus of authorities may shift toward the institutional security protocols that allowed the attack to occur. A judicial inquiry, if granted, could clarify whether the required security guard staffing levels were met at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahnoor’s transfer to the U.S. marks the next phase of her clinical recovery. The provincial government has committed to continued support as she moves toward specialized care abroad.
