Khyber News

QUETTA: Doctors of Balochistan resumed their duties on Saturday, ending their 17-day strike, after the prominent psychiatrist and senior professor of the Bolan Medical College hospital Dr Ghulam Rasool Kakar was released by the alleged kidnappers.

The doctors in the province resumed their duties in all departments including outpatient departments (OPDs). Emergency services in all hospitals remained suspended and OPDs were closed for the last two weeks in Quetta and other parts of the province.

The president of the Balochistan chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), 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, Kakar 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.