KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has strongly condemned the assassination attempt on Prof Dr Asif Malik, former Director of the Institute of Kidney Diseases, MTI Peshawar, and Chairman of the Renal Transplant Society, describing the incident as a grave failure of the state to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals.
According to a statement issued by PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Prof Dr Asif Malik was shot multiple times while returning from his professional duties and is currently under treatment in the intensive care unit, where his condition remains critical. The association termed the attack a “cold-blooded act” and warned that the patience of the medical community has reached its limit.
The PMA stated that the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against doctors, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the medical fraternity is already grieving the killing of Dr Mehvish Hasnain. It said repeated attacks have created a climate of fear among healthcare workers, severely impacting service delivery.
The association accused the government of failing to take effective action against criminal elements and termed its silence and inaction as contributing factors to the deteriorating law and order situation affecting the healthcare sector.
The PMA demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack on Prof Dr Asif Malik and called for swift legal proceedings against the perpetrators of Dr Mehvish Hasnain’s murder. It also urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to announce a Shuhada package for Dr Mehvish Hasnain’s children and ensure permanent security for her family.
Furthermore, the association called for the urgent enactment and enforcement of a Healthcare Professionals Protection Act to provide security to medical staff at workplaces and residences.
The PMA warned that if its demands are not met and those responsible are not brought to justice, it will initiate a nationwide protest, including the suspension of elective and outpatient services across the country.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the affected families, the PMA stated that the safety of doctors is non-negotiable and urged the state to take immediate and decisive action.
