Psychiatrist kidnapped from Quetta returns

Published
0

QUETTA, Aug 17: Dr Ghulam Rasool Kakar, prominent psychiatrist and senior professor of the Bolan Medical College hospital, was released by kidnappers on Friday night.

The president of the Balochistan chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association, Dr Sultan Tareen, confirmed Dr Kakar’s release and said he had reached his home. Family sources also confirmed his release.

Dr Kakar was kidnapped on August 1 from the Brewery Road area when he was going to his clinic from Killi Ibrahimzai.

Talking to reporters, he said his hands and feet had been tied with ropes by the kidnappers. “I spent very painful days during captivity,” he said.It was not known if Dr Kakar was released after payment of ransom or because of intervention by influential tribal elders.

Soon after the kidnapping, the Pakistan Medical Association boycotted public and private hospitals.

Emergency services in all hospitals have remained suspended and outpatient departments closed for two weeks in Quetta and other parts of the province.

Opinion

Editorial

Parliament’s place
Updated 11 Oct, 2026

Parliament’s place

In 2015, the parliament had decided to “maintain neutrality in the Yemen conflict so as to be able to play a proactive diplomatic role to end the crisis”.
Disturbing the peace
11 Oct, 2026

Disturbing the peace

THIS year’s Nobel Peace Prize is well-earned. The winner, South African jurist Dr Navi Pillay, has had an...
A voice in care
10 Oct, 2026

A voice in care

WORLD Mental Health Day this year carries a compelling message. The theme, ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices,...
Midterm break
Updated 10 Oct, 2026

Midterm break

Both the US and Israel need to halt their destructive misadventures in the Middle East.
American barbarism
Updated 10 Oct, 2026

American barbarism

WITH the spectre of defeat in the upcoming midterm elections looming large over the Trump administration, the...