Karachi 'Missing Baby' Mystery: Police Say Pregnancy Was Fabricated
KARACHI: Police investigating the reported disappearance of a newborn from a private hospital in Nazimabad say their inquiry has found no evidence that the woman at the centre of the case was pregnant. The development has shifted attention from the initial missing-baby allegation to claims involving a fabricated pregnancy, disputed medical records and questions over the hospital's procedures.
The case began after a woman identified as Zubia was taken to the hospital for what her family believed would be the delivery of a child. During medical treatment, however, hospital staff determined that there was no baby. The unexpected development prompted anger among relatives, and police said members of the family subsequently protested and allegedly damaged property at the facility.
Investigators said the woman had registered with the hospital's gynaecology department and presented documentation purporting to show a pregnancy. According to police, an ultrasound report included in her medical file was allegedly forged. Authorities said the woman had previously suffered a miscarriage and later continued presenting herself to relatives as pregnant because she feared social pressure and criticism over not having a child.
Police said records examined during the investigation included an earlier ultrasound dated February 16 that did not confirm a pregnancy. The woman later arrived at the hospital with another report dated August 8. Investigators allege that the later document carried a forged doctor's signature and hospital stamp. Police said evidence had been collected and the woman underwent a medical examination as part of the inquiry.
The investigation has also raised questions about the private hospital's handling of the patient. Police allege that staff admitted her without completing necessary verification and diagnostic procedures. She remained at the hospital for several hours and received medication before the discrepancy was established. SSP Central Dr Imran Khan said the inquiry had also identified indications of negligence on the hospital's part, broadening the case beyond the woman's alleged actions.
The Sindh Healthcare Commission has separately indicated that the matter requires a professional medical review. Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Ahsan Qavi said the body responsible for regulating healthcare facilities has authority to examine complaints against hospitals. He stressed that while police can pursue criminal aspects of a case, assessment of medical practice and clinical conduct falls within the relevant healthcare regulatory framework.
A clinical audit is now under way, according to the commission. Dr Qavi said institutions handling the case should refer relevant medical questions to the Sindh Healthcare Commission so it can independently assess the treatment provided, the hospital's admission procedures and whether professional standards were breached. He also cautioned that a healthcare facility cannot simply be closed in response to demands without following the required regulatory process.
The case has attracted significant attention in Karachi because the initial allegation involved the possible disappearance of a newborn, before investigators presented a substantially different account. The next stage will focus on verifying the disputed medical documents, determining whether any criminal offence was committed and establishing whether hospital personnel failed to follow required clinical safeguards. Any regulatory or legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing police investigation and the healthcare commission's audit.