Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has voiced deep concern over a rising trend of violence against healthcare workers, saying hate-driven narratives and social media trials are creating conditions that encourage attacks. The association condemned the recent acid attack on a female physician at Civil Hospital Quetta and expressed full solidarity with Dr Mahnoor and her family.
Central President Prof. Atif Hafeez Siddiqui warned that the spread of inflammatory content and public shaming on social platforms is directly linked to growing incidents of violence, harassment, threats and character assassination targeting doctors. He said these developments now represent a dangerous trend that threatens long-term stability of medical services.
The remarks were made during PIMA’s two-day Central Executive Council meeting in Islamabad, where delegates reviewed national activities, professional development initiatives, organisational matters and public health awareness campaigns. The council also assessed major challenges faced by doctors and ongoing medical relief projects inside Pakistan and abroad, including work in Gaza. Proceedings were conducted by Central General Secretary Dr Ahmad Salman Ghauri with assistance from Central Vice President Prof Muhammad Tayyab.
Prof Siddiqui highlighted that in a country already struggling with a severe shortage of doctors and constrained resources, attacks and a toxic public atmosphere demoralise staff and further weaken the health system. He stressed that improving doctor safety must be treated as a national priority to ensure continuity of care and protect frontline workers operating in difficult conditions.
PIMA called for the immediate implementation of effective and visible security measures in hospitals across the country, arguing that mere condemnatory statements and routine administrative actions are no longer acceptable. The body demanded concrete protection plans for doctors and allied healthcare staff, better incident response protocols and accountability for those who incite violence on social platforms.
The Central Executive Council pledged continued monitoring of the situation and renewed commitment to strengthen doctor safety through advocacy, training and collaboration with authorities. PIMA reiterated that safeguarding medical professionals is essential not only for their welfare but also for the resilience of Pakistan’s health services.
