Doctor Detained in Pakistan for Treating Suspected Extremist Involved in Police Shootout

A doctor taken into custody for treating a suspect involved in a shootout with police on May 2, 2024. The case has been transferred to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for further investigation.

The incident occurred when four suspects, traveling in a car, encountered Dolphin Force officials, leading to a gunfight that resulted in the death of a police official and injuries to a constable and a pedestrian. Two of the four suspects were arrested, while the other two escaped. Investigators confirmed that all four individuals in the car were "extremists" and of "high value".

The doctor was detained for treating the suspect's leg injury at a private hospital instead of referring him to a government hospital and informing the police. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations visited the injured constable and the family of the martyred official, expressing that those who attacked the citizens and police could not escape from the law.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating extremism and terrorism in Pakistan. The involvement of a medical professional in treating a suspected extremist raises concerns about the potential support network available to such individuals.

The CTD has launched a probe into the armed men's attack at law enforcers, which left a police officer martyred and another officer and a bystander injured. The four suspected terrorists, who had links to a banned terrorist outfit, targeted the Dolphin Force team while they were chasing the suspects for a check. The suspects also snatched two motorcycles from citizens in the Banni area. Police have collected CCTV footage and other evidence from the crime scene and the private hospital where the suspects had reportedly sought medical treatment. Two of the suspected terrorists have been arrested and shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Doctor detained for treating suspect in Murree shootout with police.
• Shootout left 1 police officer dead, 1 officer and 1 civilian injured.
• 2 of 4 suspects arrested, others escaped; all deemed "extremists".
• Doctor accused of not referring suspect to govt hospital, informing police.
• CTD investigating armed attack on law enforcers, collecting evidence.