Senior journalist Mushtaq Hashmani passes away

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 January 2018

Mushtaq Hashmani, a prominent journalist, died from a heart attack at Agha Khan Hospital. His family's financial struggles with hospital bills have raised concerns about medical ethics in Pakistan.

Summary

KARACHI – Mushtaq Hashmani, a chief reporter with NewsOne TV passed away at the Agha Khan Hospital on Sunday of a heart attack.

Reports say the hospital managers told the family members Wednesday his condition had improved and he could be taken home but only after clearing a bill of Rs2100000.

According to journalist and media trainer Qazi Asif who met the deceased journalist’s family they had deposited Rs 400,000 and told the hospital managers they were arranging the remaining amount.

Asif in a Facebook alleged that a delay of a day or two prompted the hospital management to stop giving him medicines. When Hashmani came to know about the situation, he suffered a massive heart attack that caused his death.

In a career spanning over three decades, Hashmani worked for several news organizations including Hilal-i-Pakistan and Awami Awaz.

KEY POINTS:

• Mushtaq Hashmani passed away due to a heart attack.
• He worked for over three decades in various news organizations.
• Allegations suggest hospital management delayed treatment over billing issues.
• His family had already deposited a significant amount towards the bill.
• The incident highlights ongoing issues in Pakistan's healthcare system.