The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) today strongly condemned the killing of Dr. Mehwish Hasnain in Kohat and demanded her alleged murderers be tried in an anti-terrorism court and given exemplary punishment. The medical body is calling for immediate nationwide legislation to protect healthcare professionals.
In a press conference, PIMA Central President Professor Atif Hafeez Siddiqui announced that Dr. Mehwish was shot dead outside her hospital while on duty. He expressed profound regret over the silence from the Chief Minister and other senior government officials, noting they had neither taken notice of the tragedy nor offered condolences to the bereaved family. PIMA also insisted that the slain doctor”s family be provided relief under the Shuhada Package.
The press conference was also attended by President PIMA Women Branch Dr. Zakia Aurangzeb, President PIMA Sindh Prof Abdullah Muttaqi, President YDA Sindh Dr. Waris Jakhrani, President PIMA Karachi Dr. Ahmar Hamid, and Dr. Azra Jameel.
Professor Siddiqui warned that persistent violence, killings, humiliating treatment, and substandard working conditions are compelling a large number of medical professionals to emigrate. He described this exodus as a “serious threat to the national healthcare system.” He pointed out that while Doctors Protection Bills exist in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their implementation has been ineffective, leaving medics as “soft targets.” He cautioned that the nation faces a severe shortage of qualified doctors if the situation is not rectified.
The PIMA president highlighted that the physical and mental well-being of doctors is under constant strain, contributing to an increasing tendency toward suicide among medical students. He stated that frustration over a lack of hospital facilities is often unfairly directed at healthcare staff. Additionally, he criticised a technically flawed software system in Punjab”s government teaching hospitals, which he said creates significant difficulties for both patients and doctors.
Dr. Zakia Aurangzeb, President of PIMA”s Women Branch, raised alarms over the security of female doctors. She noted that while women constitute 80 per cent of medical college students, the dropout rate of over 35 per cent is rising. “What was once limited to harassment has now escalated to murder,” she stated, explaining that it has become exceedingly difficult for female doctors to continue their professional duties. She stressed that ensuring their security is a fundamental government responsibility.
Professor Abdullah Muttaqi of PIMA Sindh revealed that the country”s healthcare system is heavily reliant on 38,000 trainee doctors. He observed that incidents like the Kohat murder intensify the reluctance of female practitioners to work in remote areas. “Doctors who complete their training now prioritise leaving the country,” he said, warning that the growing gap in training slots and the ongoing brain drain are steering the country towards a dangerous crisis.
Concluding their address, the PIMA office-bearers collectively demanded the implementation of effective security systems in hospitals, an overhaul of doctors” salaries and service structures to align with inflation, and the provision of safe, dignified, and proper working environments.