The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA-Karachi) and other allied associations have decided not to prolong their protest after the assurance given by Sindh chief minister for immediate acceptance to their demands.
This predominantly includes provision for “support money” to the heirs of the doctors killed in the metropolis, said PMA President Dr Idrees Adhi.
He said the decision of the entire medical community of Karachi to expand duration of work suspension and resorting to other serious means of protest has been withdrawn.
“The decision to keep all OPDs and clinics closed even for a single day was taken with a heavy heart,” said the senior ophthalmologist. “Since Syed Qaim Ali Shah has personally assured that the “support money” for family of each martyred doctor would soon be released coupled with acceptance of other demands, so the decision to prolong closure has been withdrawn,” he added.
In reply to a question, Prof Idrees Adhi said the provincial chief said that issuance of arms license to the doctors of the metropolis would be streamlined after consultation with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) engaged in targeted operation in Karachi.
“We were told by the Sindh chief minister that since a ban has been imposed on issuance of arms license, as per recommendation of LEAs engaged in targeted operation, therefore, the matter would be resolved after necessary consultation,” said PMA president.
“In principle, the Sindh chief minister has agreed that after taking LEAs into confidence arms license to the doctors recommended by PMA in writing would be issued within 24 hour after their submission,” he elaborated.
With regard to demand for fool proof security for the entire medical community in the province, specifically in its capital, Dr Ali Azhar said the DIG Karachi police had been directed to keep close liaison with the PMA and other doctors’ bodies.
Dr Adhi said the Sindh Rangers commander had also committed to keep a stringent vigil on criminals and other unscrupulous elements casting any threat to the doctors.