Quetta police said a suspect wanted in the acid attack on Dr. Mahnoor Nasir at Sandeman Provincial Hospital was killed in an alleged encounter on Saturday.
Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Hamayun Shah, a lift operator at the hospital, also known as Civil Hospital Quetta. They said he was involved in the acid attack on the doctor while she was on duty.
According to police, officers tried to arrest Shah at a bus stop after receiving intelligence about his location. Police said the suspect opened fire on the team, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which he was killed.
Dr. Mahnoor Nasir was earlier attacked with acid inside the hospital premises. She was shifted to a private hospital for treatment after the attack.
CCTV footage reportedly showed the suspect approaching a ward before carrying out the attack and fleeing. The footage also showed the injured doctor trying to follow him before collapsing outside the ward.
The attack triggered outrage among young doctors and the wider medical community, who demanded justice.
Read: Shocking Acid Attack in Peshawar Targets Women in Rickshaw
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti contacted the victim’s family after the attack and directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment. The provincial government said the state would bear all medical expenses.
Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said arrangements had been completed to shift Dr. Nasir to Karachi by air ambulance for specialised treatment. He said the government would provide medical support until her full recovery.
The chief minister and provincial authorities condemned the attack and ordered a swift investigation.
