Rawalakot, Pakistan administered Kashmir – In a dramatic escalation of the Fiza Khurshid case, medical services at CMH Rawalakot are under threat after dozens of doctors resigned in protest over the arrest of three colleagues, including senior female physicians and a nurse.
Earlier today, the District and Sessions Court rejected the bail applications of Dr. Amna Nawaz, Dr. Amrzish Liaqat, and Nurse Aniqah, leading to their immediate arrest. The trio is under investigation following the controversial death of 17-year-old Fiza Khurshid, who allegedly died due to medical negligence at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalakot.
The incident has triggered public outrage, and the legal proceedings have now snowballed into a major healthcare crisis. Doctors at the facility, condemning what they call an unjust and hasty legal move, announced that they will boycott all medical duties starting midnight, and have submitted collective resignations in solidarity with their detained colleagues.
No state backing. No paywalls. Just truth. Support Kashmir's independent voice. Join 2,400+ patrons who fund independent voices.
A statement issued by the doctors described the arrests as “disproportionate and politically motivated,” and called for due process and impartial investigation rather than punitive action before trial.
In response to the unfolding situation, the Central Joint Action Committee of Doctors has called an emergency session to assess the implications and determine further steps. “We stand united for justice. Our colleagues deserve a fair hearing, not public shaming or scapegoating,” one of the spokespersons stated.
This mass resignation could paralyze healthcare services in the region, particularly at CMH Rawalakot, a key hospital in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. With hundreds of patients dependent on critical care and emergency services, the sudden withdrawal of medical personnel may lead to serious health repercussions.
Fiza Khurshid, a high school student, was admitted to CMH Rawalakot earlier this year. According to her family, she died due to gross medical negligence during routine treatment. A case was registered against hospital staff following a public outcry and media pressure. However, the arrest of female doctors without conclusive proof or medical board review has raised questions about due process.
The incident not only puts a spotlight on accountability in the healthcare system, but also raises concerns about the safety and rights of medical professionals operating under extreme pressure in politically sensitive regions.
Human rights observers warn that while medical negligence must be addressed through institutional and legal reforms, criminalizing frontline professionals without fair inquiry may set a dangerous precedent.
The Azadi Times continues to follow this developing story closely and calls for a balanced approach — one that honors both the rights of the victim’s family and the legal protections for medical professionals.
