Young doctors in Quetta announced the suspension of all emergency and routine medical services at public hospitals, including Civil Hospital Quetta, on 1 July after authorities blocked their planned sit-in protest in the Red Zone of Balochistan's provincial capital. The action, declared by the Young Doctors Association (YDA), has left critically ill patients facing uncertainty at a time of deepening friction between the medical community and the government.

Background: Protest Over Acid Attack on Female Doctor

The demonstrations stem from an acid attack on a female doctor inside a hospital in Quetta. The victim, Dr Mah Noor Nasir, was attacked at Sandeman Civil Hospital, triggering widespread outrage among the medical fraternity and civil society across Pakistan. Doctors have been demanding accountability and improved safety measures for healthcare workers.

How the Protest Unfolded

The YDA leadership had earlier announced a sit-in near the Red Zone to press their demands, according to Pakistani daily Dawn. Ahead of the planned demonstration, local authorities deployed heavy police contingents at all gates of Civil Hospital and blocked roads leading to the Red Zone. Despite the restrictions, doctors managed to reach Anscomb Road and attempted to break through the police blockade but were turned back. They held a protest and raised slogans against the government before being dispersed.

Doctors alleged that police manhandled some of their colleagues during the confrontation. Local authorities denied the allegation, stating they had only blocked roads and hospital gates.

What the YDA Leadership Said

YDA Supreme Council chairman Dr Hafeez condemned the authorities for stopping what he described as a peaceful protest. 'Although the protesting doctors were carrying no weapons, we were not allowed to march towards the Red Zone,' he said, according to Dawn. Hafeez also voiced concern over the suspension of Grade-19 and Grade-20 doctors over the past two years and raised the unresolved accountability issue surrounding the August 8 lawyers' tragedy. He added that the doctors remained open to dialogue with the government and would announce their next course of action after internal consultation.

YDA leader Dr Bahar Shah announced the complete boycott of all medical services, including emergency care. 'In the current situation, we cannot continue working in hospitals,' Shah said, claiming the system was being used to shield certain officials, forcing doctors into a corner.

Wider Outcry Over Violence Against Women

The attack on Dr Mah Noor Nasir has drawn condemnation well beyond the medical community. On 17 June, the women's rights movement Aurat March staged a protest outside the Islamabad Press Club, with human rights activists, political leaders, and civil society representatives expressing solidarity with the victim. Prominent activist and Aurat March leader Farzana Bari described the situation as alarming. 'Too many incidents of violence against women are surfacing each day, showing us that this country is becoming like a graveyard for women, and the state and state institutions are completely failing to provide protection to us,' Bari was quoted as saying by Pakistani digital platform Voicepk.net. She also raised concerns about the manner in which the alleged attacker was killed by police, arguing that courts — not extrajudicial action — should determine punishment.

Impact on Patients and What Comes Next

The suspension of emergency services has raised serious concerns among the public in Quetta, with critically ill patients arriving at hospitals facing an uncertain situation. The YDA has indicated it will hold consultations before announcing further steps, leaving open the possibility of either escalation or negotiated resolution. All eyes are now on whether the Balochistan government moves to address the doctors' core demands — accountability for the acid attack and broader protections for healthcare workers.