NP backs protesting doctors

QUETTA: National Party (NP) President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch assured the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Balochistan and protesting doctors of his support in resolving issues faced by doctors, including imposing of heavy taxes by the FBR and Bal­ochistan Revenue Authority and the AI-based attendance system. A delegation of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Balochistan and Quetta Zone on Friday met National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to discuss issues facing doctors in the province. PMA Balochistan President Dr Naeem Zarkoon and others including General Secretary Dr Zarak Muhammad Shahi, Joint Secretary Dr Ahmed Abbas and spokesperson Dr Abdullah Wardag during the meeting informed Dr Baloch about the details of new taxation which was causing difficulties to the community. The PMA delegation briefed Dr Baloch on the difficulties faced by doctors due to taxes imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue and the Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA), highlighting the seriousness of the issue. The delegation said the PMA strongly opposed absenteeism and believed that every doctor should fulfil their professional responsibilities. However, it said the current AI-based attendance system did not correspond to the ground realities of Balochistan and it was creating difficulties even for doctors who regularly performed their duties. Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2026