Following the tragic killing of Dr. Mehwish in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 23, 2026, the situation for medical professionals has become increasingly dire. In addition to the protests and strikes initiated by the Young Doctors Association (YDA), it has been revealed that contract doctors and medical officers at District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals have not received their salaries for the past five months. This delay has plunged many healthcare workers into financial distress, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere. The Provincial Doctors Association has formally approached the Health Department, demanding the immediate release of pending salaries, which range from Rs170,000 to Rs400,000 per month depending on specialty. They warned that continued non-payment could undermine trust and stability in public health institutions, stating, "While we have continued providing emergency, ICU and surgical services, prolonged non-payment risks affecting morale within the healthcare system."