Reference :
V-P-PK-E-01396
Date :
09/2016
Caption :
Karachi. Sabir Christopher ia an ambulance driver of the AMAN foundation whose ambulance was targeted and shot multiple times when he was driving.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
"There is great uncertainty in this work, and constant fear. Anything can happen, anywhere, anytime. I remember this one time, about three years ago. We had received a call around 3.30 a.m. about a critically ill patient who needed to be taken to the JPMC emergency ward. We had just picked up the patient and everything had been routine; we were proceeding towards the hospital. It was dark, the roads were largely empty at that time of night and we were driving at a normal speed towards the JPMC. Suddenly I saw a man walk into the middle of the road and turn towards my headlights. At first I thought nothing of it, but then realized that he was armed and had guns in each hand. As we drove towards him, the ambulance lights now illuminating him clearly, he raised the weapons and began firing at us. I was taken completely by surprise. I swerved violently to avoid being hit, and hit the accelerator. Despite my evasive action, several bullets pierced the windshield, and others went through the side of the ambulance as we sped past him. Even after we passed him, he kept firing at the vehicle, hitting us repeatedly in the back door, and puncturing one of the tires. As we sped out of the area we noticed a police vehicle parked on a corner and approached them for help. “After hearing what had happened, the police informed us that the situation in the area was very volatile and advised us to leave immediately."
ICRC website, photo gallery “Unsung Heroes of Pakistan: Healthcare Workers Taking Risks to Save Lives”, 07 JULY 2017
“Violence against healthcare professionals working in conflict areas is a reality that thousands of healthcare workers have to confront on a daily basis. Often the impacts of this violence spill over to the patients, families, and coworkers as well. In Karachi, Pakistan, these are the true stories of healthcare workers who've encountered this violence while risking their own lives to save the lives of others.
ICRC's Healthcare in Danger (HCiD) project aims at encouraging different stakeholders to improve the security and delivery of healthcare in armed conflict and other emergency situations.”
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
6064x4848
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
