Akhunzada Fazle Haq
MARDAN : Office-bearers of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Mardan have strongly condemned the government’s silence and the failure to arrest the suspects involved in the brutal murder of a female doctor in Kohat, demanding immediate and effective security measures for doctors across the province.
Addressing a press conference at the Mardan Press Club, YDA Provincial Vice President Dr Noor Habib, Divisional President Dr Siraj-ul-Islam, DHQ President Dr Taimur, MMC President Dr Bilal, Dr Rubina Riaz and other representatives expressed grave concern over what they termed as the government’s inaction following the tragic incident.
The speakers said the incident has created a wave of fear, anxiety and unrest among the medical community. They stated that despite the seriousness of the matter, no concrete steps have been taken by the provincial authorities to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.
Criticizing the political leadership, the YDA leaders pointed out that the local Member of Provincial Assembly, Shafi Jan, has yet to visit the bereaved family to offer condolences, calling it highly regrettable and insensitive.
They further highlighted increasing political interference in public hospitals and the absence of a comprehensive security policy, which, according to them, has left doctors feeling vulnerable and unprotected. The association demanded that the slain lady doctor’s family be granted a martyr’s package and that provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act be incorporated into the registered FIR.
The YDA leadership warned that if Kohat Police fail to arrest the culprits at the earliest, the protest movement will be expanded across the entire province.
The association reiterated its call for urgent and concrete measures to safeguard the medical fraternity and ensure justice for the victim without delay.
