APPNA and AKUAANA strongly condemn the recent violence perpetrated against Dr Shahnila and Dr. Azam Ali at Liaquat National Hospital.
Dr. Azam Ali is a well-respected Ophthalmologist in Karachi. A graduate of AKU, he has trained and taught scores of medical students, residents and fellows. This heinous and abominable act against such highly respected physicians cannot simply be ignored. We demand an immediate investigation into the incident and that those involved be immediately held accountable. We also request the Provincial and Federal Governments to ensure a safe working environment for healthcare professionals across Sindh and Pakistan.
Given a long history of targeted violence against healthcare professionals in Pakistan, we strongly demand that concrete steps be taken towards upholding the rights of physicians, and providing the security required to practice medicine with diligence and expertise, and without fear of harassment and threat to life.
Faisal Cheema, MD
President, AKUAANA
Rizwan Khalid, MD
President, APPNA
Joint statement by APPNA and AKUAANA against violence