QUETTA, PAKISTAN (Web Desk) — Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Sunday announced that a civil award will be given to a hospital employee who showed exceptional courage by helping a female doctor immediately after she was attacked with acid at Civil Hospital Quetta.
The incident took place on Saturday when Dr Mahnoor Nisar, a female medical officer, was allegedly targeted inside the hospital premises. According to police officials, an employee of the same facility is accused of throwing acid on her, leaving her with serious burn injuries on her face, chest, legs, and other parts of her body. The shocking attack caused panic inside the hospital and triggered an immediate emergency response.
Police further reported that the accused fled the scene but was later traced. He was killed during a police encounter when law enforcement personnel attempted to apprehend him as he tried to escape by bus. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the motive behind the attack.
CCTV footage from the hospital shows the moment of chaos following the incident, in which Dr Nisar is seen running out of a room in visible distress. In the footage, a man identified as Abdul Razzaq Tarakai, another employee at the hospital, is seen rushing toward her and attempting to shield her with what appears to be his jacket, offering immediate assistance in a critical moment.
Chief Minister Bugti praised Tarakai’s actions, describing his response as an example of humanity and bravery. In a statement shared on X, he said that Tarakai “displayed extraordinary courage, humanity, and dedication” by stepping in to help the injured doctor without hesitation. He added that individuals who act selflessly in moments of crisis are “assets of society” and set a powerful example of service to humanity.
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In recognition of his actions, the provincial government confirmed that Tarakai will be formally awarded a civil honour.
The incident has also drawn strong condemnation from political leaders. MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari condemned the attack and said she had requested President Asif Ali Zardari to confer a high civilian award on Tarakai for what she described as his “selfless gallantry.” She emphasized that his timely intervention helped save a life and should be recognized nationally as an example of courage and humanity.
Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari also stressed that violence against women has no place in society and urged authorities to ensure strict legal action against perpetrators. She called for stronger preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahnoor Nisar was initially treated in Quetta before being shifted to Karachi for advanced medical care. She is currently under treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital. Hospital sources say her condition is stable. She has sustained bilateral corneal opacities—indicating scarring on the surface of both eyes—but her vision remains intact. Specialists in ophthalmology and plastic surgery are actively monitoring her recovery, while a detailed medical assessment is still ongoing.
Hospital officials further noted that although the burns initially appeared severe, they are believed to be superficial in nature, though final evaluations are awaited.
Abdul Razzaq Tarakai, the employee who helped rescue Dr Nisar, was also briefly treated for burn-related injuries at a private hospital in Quetta and has since been discharged.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which has sparked widespread concern over safety within healthcare institutions and renewed calls for stricter workplace security measures in hospitals across the province.
