Young doctors rally across Pakistan after CMO Dr. Mehwish shot dead in Kohat
KOHAT: A wave of shock and anger is sweeping across Pakistan following the brutal murder of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Mehwish at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Kohat. The attack took place as she was returning from her evening duty, with assailants gunning her down just 200 meters from the hospital. This chilling incident underscores the escalating threats faced by frontline medical professionals and has sent tremors of fear through the entire healthcare community.
YDA KPK escalates protests, announces boycotts
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Kohat immediately condemned the killing, calling for the immediate arrest of the assailants. In a strong response, YDA KPK declared a boycott of elective services and closure of private clinics throughout the district, emphasizing that justice for Dr. Mehwish cannot wait. An emergency Central Council and General Committee meeting has been convened tonight to chart the next steps in the nationwide campaign to protect doctors.
Doctors in Kohat held a Fateha Khawani (prayer gathering) at Dr. Mehwish’s home, pledging full support to her family and vowing to continue the fight for justice until the perpetrators are punished. Police have sealed the crime scene and launched investigations, while the city remains tense with fear and uncertainty.
YDA Sindh voices solidarity, warns of nationwide protests
Adding momentum to the nationwide outcry, Young Doctors Association Sindh, led by Chairman Dr. Mehboob Noonari, strongly condemned the incident. Dr. Noonari demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and declared that if authorities fail to act decisively, YDA Sindh along with all provincial chapters will protest nationwide, highlighting the incident as a national crisis.
Medical community unites for systemic change
Senior doctors, including former YDA KPK President Dr. Saeedur Rehman Wardag, urged the medical fraternity to rise above political differences and unite to defend the “honour of the white coat.” Dr. Wardag cited the unresolved killing of Dr. Varda Mushtaq in Abbottabad, warning that continued impunity emboldens violence against doctors.
Fear, unrest, and the way forward
The murder of Dr. Mehwish has triggered boycotts of hospitals and clinics across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Young doctors are demanding robust legal, administrative, and security measures to protect medical professionals and ensure justice. Authorities are under growing pressure to act swiftly as nationwide protests loom, underscoring that the safety of healthcare workers is now a national priority.
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