Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has announced a civil award for Abdul Razzaq Tarakai, the Civil Hospital employee who courageously came to the aid of Dr Mahnoor Nisar after an acid attack in Quetta. The injured doctor is currently receiving treatment in Karachi.
The announcement came a day after Dr Mahnoor Nisar sustained serious burn injuries when an employee of the hospital allegedly threw acid on her inside the facility.
According to police, Dr Nisar suffered burns to her face, chest, legs and other parts of her body. The suspect was later killed in an encounter after law enforcement agencies traced him while he was attempting to flee the city by bus.
A CCTV video of the incident showed Abdul Razzaq Tarakai immediately coming to the doctor’s aid. The footage captured him covering the injured doctor with what appeared to be his jacket as she ran out of a room seeking help after the attack.
In a statement posted on X, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti praised Tarakai for displaying “extraordinary courage, humanity and dedication” during the emergency.
“Such brave and valiant individuals are the assets of our society and set an example of serving humanity even in the most difficult circumstances,” the chief minister said while announcing the civil award.
Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari Recommends Highest Civilian Award
Separately, MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari strongly condemned the acid attack and revealed that she had requested President Asif Ali Zardari to confer the country’s highest civilian award on Tarakai in recognition of his selfless bravery.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, Aseefa said Tarakai’s timely and courageous intervention helped save a precious life and served as an inspiring example of humanity for the nation.
She also stressed that violence against women has no place in society and called for strict legal action against those responsible for such crimes.
“The relevant authorities must ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future,” she said.
Dr Mahnoor Nisar Under Treatment in Karachi
Following initial treatment in Quetta, Dr Mahnoor Nisar was shifted to Karachi and is currently receiving medical care at Aga Khan University Hospital.
Hospital sources said her condition is stable. Doctors have diagnosed bilateral corneal opacities, a condition that causes scarring of the eye’s clear surface. However, her vision remains intact.
Specialists, including plastic surgeons and ophthalmologists, are monitoring her condition. Medical sources added that the burns appear to be superficial, although a comprehensive assessment is still underway.
Meanwhile, Abdul Razzaq Tarakai, who also sustained burn injuries while assisting the doctor, has been discharged from a private hospital in Quetta after receiving treatment.
The acid attack has sparked widespread condemnation across Pakistan, with calls for stronger protections for women and healthcare professionals working in public institutions.
