Pakistan police detain suspects in killing of woman doctor

Two suspects were arrested on Thursday, four days after the fatal shooting of a female doctor in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reportedly following an altercation involving a patient’s attendant.

Khaleeq Ur Rehman, the provincial health minister, confirmed the arrests, saying police apprehended both individuals within the jurisdiction of the City Police Station in Kohat district. “Both are in police custody, and legal formalities are being completed,” he said, adding that the suspects would face exemplary punishment.

The suspects have been identified as Saif Ali and Hayat Gul, previously named by police as the primary suspects in the case.

According to reports, the shooting occurred after Dr. Mahwish Hasnain asked a patient’s attendant to “wait outside” the female ward. Her family said the incident happened while she was on duty when the attendant attempted to enter the ward and was asked to remain outside.

A brief exchange of words reportedly angered him. He later followed Dr. Mahwish, intercepted her rickshaw as she was heading home, and opened fire, killing her.

A post-mortem examination found that Dr. Mahwish sustained multiple gunshot wounds to her hands, chest, and abdomen, causing severe injuries to her heart and lungs. The report concluded that excessive bleeding and traumatic shock led to cardiopulmonary arrest, resulting in her death.

Calls for justice and protection

Dr. Asfandyar Battani, president of the Young Doctors Association, welcomed the arrests and vowed to pursue the case to its conclusion to ensure justice for Dr. Mahwish.

He urged the government to grant her the status and benefits under the Shuhada (martyr) package and to fully implement the Health Care Security Act across all public hospitals in the province. He emphasized that stronger protections are essential to safeguard medical professionals in the future.