29/05/2026
Date: May 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
PIMA Expresses Deep Concern Over Harassment and Illegal Actions Against Doctors
The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of harassment, undue pressure, and illegal actions against doctors and hospitals in Karachi.
Dr. Syed Ahmer Hamid, President of PIMA Karachi, stated that no police officer has the authority to directly arrest any doctor or paramedical staff in professional medical matters unless the complete legal procedure is followed in accordance with the law. Any complaint or allegation against doctors or hospitals must be referred to the Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), which is the legally established and authorized body for this purpose.
The Sindh Healthcare Commission possesses an appropriate legal framework to protect patients' rights, ensure transparent investigations, as well as safeguard doctors and paramedical staff from unnecessary pressure and harassment. On multiple occasions, the SHCC has also taken notice of inappropriate police actions against doctors and paramedical staff.
In a statement issued from PIMA House, Dr. Ahmer Hamid said that if an FIR is filed against any doctor or paramedical staff by any individual or group, or if actions are taken outside the law, a complaint should be lodged with the SHCC so that appropriate action can be initiated.
PIMA Karachi expresses concern that certain organized groups are targeting doctors, hospitals, and other stakeholders through activities such as blackmailing and extortion. Such actions not only create fear and panic among the medical staff but also affect the healthcare services provided to the public.
Recently, in a private psychiatric hospital located in Gulshan e Iqbal, an organized group harassed doctors, paramedical staff, and hospital administrative staff, and got the doctors and paramedical staff arrested by registering an FIR. Following this, the hospital owners are being blackmailed by this group, and money is being demanded.
Dr. Ahmer Hamid said that PIMA emphasizes that every case must be decided based on complete evidence, medical records, and legal documents. If evidence of violence or physical injury is presented in any matter, all its aspects including the possibility of a fall or accident and the available records must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure the requirements of justice are met.
PIMA expresses full solidarity with the affected doctors and medical staff, assures them of moral, professional, and legal support, and desires to find an effective solution to this serious issue in collaboration with civil society and other responsible stakeholders.
PIMA Karachi demands the Government of Sindh, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to provide protection to doctors and medical institutions against illegal harassment, while ensuring transparency, justice, and legal requirements under all circumstances in cases of medical negligence.
Issued by:
Dr. Shoaib Akram
Press secretary, PIMA Karachi
