Like most of other countries, Covid-19 has hit us very hard and healthcare staff across the country has been on their toes right from the day one. In the ongoing fight many of our doctors, nurses and paramedical staff also contracted the disease and many of them even lost their lives. 16th June 2020 was the saddest day, when the medical community heard the tragic news of demise of their ever-smiling, beloved Professor Dr. Abbas Tariq after being hospitalized for five days.
Professor Abbas Tariq had always been known as a very humble, helping, dutiful and down to earth personality. His high sense of humor was liked by his juniors as well as senior colleagues. He was very religious person and regarded as a knowledgeable scholar for obtaining any guidance in religious matters.
He was born in Peshawar on 21st March 1965, and completed his high school education from Cadet College Kohat. Started his career as Medical officer at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar in 1994. He qualified FCPS (Anesthesiology) in 1999, and joined Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar as senior registrar in 2001. In 2007 he got promoted to the position of assistant professor anesthesiology and in 2011, was promoted as associate professor. He was promoted as a professor in 2014.
He suffered from diabetes mellitus and hypertension as well. Despite his physical vulnerabilities, he continued to lead his team in the corona pandemic. He developed the symptoms of the disease, was admitted to the hospital on 12th June and remained stable on CPAP sessions. On 16th June his condition suddenly deteriorated and he ended up in cardiac arrest, from which he could not be revived.
He will always be remembered for his kindness and devotion to his profession in our hearts. May Allah Almighty rest his soul in peace!
Dr. Muhammad Sheharyar Ashraf
General Secretary PSA-KPK
Dept. of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Lady Treading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan.