Renowned doctor critically injured in shooting in Pakistan's Peshawar

A senior medical officer was seriously injured after unidentified assailants opened fire on him in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, police said on Wednesday.

The attack took place in the University Town area of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan.

Capital City Police spokesperson Alam Khan told Nukta that senior urologist Dr Asif Malik was on his way home when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire near his residence.

“Dr Asif was seriously injured and taken to Peshawar General Hospital (PGH),” Khan said.

Peshawar General Hospital said in an official statement that Dr Asif is stable and receiving medical care. The hospital added that the matter is being handled by relevant authorities and that it is fully cooperating with investigators.

Police said a .30-bore pistol was used in the attack. Three empty shells were recovered from near Dr Asif’s home.

A case has been registered against unidentified suspects based on a complaint filed by his son, police said.

Authorities are collecting CCTV footage, and dedicated teams have been formed to apprehend those responsible, Khan added.

According to Yousaf Malik, Dr Asif’s son, he was at home when his father arrived injured and told him that unidentified assailants had opened fire.

Yousaf told Nukta that his father was shot three times — in the neck, jaw and chest — and is currently on a ventilator. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow once his condition stabilizes, he said.

“We have no enmity with anyone, nor have we ever received any threats,” Yousaf said.

Police sources said the incident does not appear to be terrorism-related and seems to stem from a personal dispute. An investigation is underway to determine the motive and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Provincial Doctors Association condemned the shooting, calling it a result of inadequate security measures for the medical community. The association demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.

It also urged authorities to implement a security law to protect healthcare personnel.

Dr Asif is a close relative of former provincial police chief Malik Naveed and senior police officer Malik Saad, who was killed in a 2007 suicide attack in Peshawar.

Malik Asad, former mayor of Kohat district and brother of Malik Saad, was also killed last April by unidentified assailants.