Celebrities and activists have spoken out following the acid attack on a female postgraduate doctor in Quetta, condemning violence against women and raising concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals in facilities meant to save lives. On Saturday, Dr Mahnoor was critically injured after an attacker allegedly threw acid on her while she was on duty in the surgical ward of Quetta's Civil Sandeman Hospital. According to authorities, the suspect fled the scene but was later killed in an exchange of fire with police.
Celebrities Condemn the Attack
Celebrities including Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain, Saheefa Jabbar, and many more publicly condemned the brutal attack, calling attention to the violence women continue to face. The outpouring of support came after the victim's colleague Dr Usama Khan shared an emotional Instagram post demanding justice.
Captioning the post, "The bubbly Mahnoor. The lively Mahnoor. The Mahnoor whose smile could light up a room and whose energy was contagious," Dr Usama followed with a lengthy note addressed to his colleague, describing the horror of treating a friend who had fallen victim to such a violent act.
Dr Usama's Heartbreaking Message
Dr Usama wrote: "We had spent years learning how to save lives, but never did I imagine that one day, I would be standing beside you in a resuscitation room, fighting to minimise the damage caused by such senseless violence." He added, "The image of you sitting and studying, working towards your future, and then suddenly becoming the victim of such brutality is something I cannot comprehend. You dedicated your life to caring for others, and yet humanity failed to show the same kindness and protection that you have always offered to your patients."
Dr Usama also highlighted the lack of security provided to doctors and healthcare workers whose primary mission is to help others. Reflecting on the incident, he wrote that although Mahnoor was targeted while pursuing her future, her courage and resilience would forever remind the public of "the wound left on our faith in humanity." He concluded: "I am sorry, Mahnoor. Sorry that this happened to you. Sorry that we live in a world where a young doctor studying for her future can become the target of such cruelty. Sorry that, as human beings, we failed to protect one of our own."
Mahira Khan's Fiery Response
Many actors shared Dr Usama's post on their social media, including actor Mahira Khan, who also issued a statement of her own. Khan wrote: "A woman went to WORK today. To SAVE LIVES. And someone threw acid on her face. I can't. I genuinely cannot. Dr Mahnoor Nasir attacked inside a hospital. INSIDE A HOSPITAL." She added, "This is barbaric. This is evil. I am shaking with rage. This woman deserved safety. Instead she was nearly burned alive by a man who thought he had the right to destroy her. It's time for not just the women but the MEN to speak up. To be LOUDER. To be angrier!!!"
Yasir Hussain and Saheefa Jabbar Speak Out
Actor Yasir Hussain also addressed the incident, highlighting how society often responds to such cases by questioning the victim's actions rather than the perpetrator's mindset. He wrote: "This woman is not even wearing revealing clothing. Even then someone threw acid on her. So that means the issue is not in clothing. It is in the mind."
Model and entrepreneur Saheefa Jabbar also issued a statement condemning misogyny and abuse. She wrote: "This is exactly why I despise it when men or women choose to mock, degrade, or morally police other women. These actions may seem small, but they contribute to much bigger societal problems because they normalise hatred and contempt." She added, "The same mindset that shames women for what they wear is part of the culture that enables violence against them, whether it's acid attacks, murdering a wife for refusing marital relations, or brutalising a woman because she gave birth to a daughter. These horrific acts do not emerge in a vacuum."
Mishi Khan Questions Police Action
Actor Mishi Khan also posted on Instagram criticising police for killing the alleged attacker before a thorough investigation could take place. "Rather than the police arresting him for investigation, they shot him. This is the state of affairs. Sad and distressing. I wish such criminals are put to task," she said. The actor also raised concerns about safety for doctors: "This is the horrible situation in our country and public hospitals. Where was security when this man entered the doctor's room?" she stated.
Sajal Aly Condemns Misogyny
Actor Sajal Aly also reshared a post regarding the attack to her story, condemning the incident as "a cowardly act driven by misogyny and a fragile male ego," arguing that some men cannot handle a woman's independence or rejection.
The attack on Dr Mahnoor has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with many calling for greater protection for women and healthcare workers. As demands for justice continue to grow, the incident once again highlights the urgent need to address gender-based violence, strengthen workplace security, and challenge the attitudes that enable such acts to occur.
