SAHIWAL: A 28-year-old patient suffering from kidney pain died during surgery at a private hospital in Pakpattan City on Monday morning, after which doctors, hospital owners and paramedical staff allegedly fled the facility, leaving his body in the operation theatre.

The incident triggered protests by the deceased’s family members and relatives, who reportedly forced their way into the operating theatre after waiting for a long time and found the body along with an organ, allegedly the removed kidney, placed in a small plastic container.

The relatives alleged that doctors had removed Imran’s kidney during the procedure, resulting in his death. Enraged by the incident, they damaged hospital property, broke windows and blocked the road in protest.

Dr Faiza Kanwal, Chief Executive Officer of the District Health Authority, told Dawn that the body was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for an autopsy. She said she had visited the hospital and confirmed that the facility was registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

Family alleges kidney was removed; hospital staff ‘flees’; probe ordered

According to reports, Muhammad Imran, a resident of Malik Pura, Pakpattan, had been admitted to the hospital two days earlier with complaints of kidney pain. Initial investigations reportedly detected kidney stones, following which he underwent a minor laser procedure. He was subsequently discharged but returned the following night with severe pain.

He was taken to the operating theatre, where doctors allegedly removed his kidney. Imran died during the procedure, after which the hospital staff allegedly abandoned the theatre, leaving the body and the organ behind.

Sources said the family later took the body to the DHQ Hospital but did not opt for an autopsy and instead took it away for burial.

The CEO said an inquiry would be conducted in accordance with official procedures to determine the facts and fix responsibility.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2026