A general body meeting of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Balochistan, called to discuss the recent kidnapping of Dr Abdul Aziz Baloch and the future of the doctors’ movement throughout the province, has decided to continue dialogue with the authorities.
Dr. Baloch, an eye specialist, was kidnapped on Monday by unidentified persons from the Sariab road in Quetta. On October 17, it was the abduction of another eye specialist, Dr Saeed Khan, from the same region, that sparked off series of protests and strikes. Although Dr Khan returned home on November 28, his family claimed that the government had nothing to do with his recovery and the PMA continued their strike.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the fresh kidnapping of Dr Baloch elicited widespread condemnation from the PMA members. Dr Sultan Tareen and Dr Shehzada Babar were among those who delivered speeches and claimed that the doctors’ movement is close to achieving its goals. They said that they are not protesting for facilities or privileges or increased salaries but for an end to the cruelty and injustice that doctors are facing.
The speakers also said that doctors would not bow down before officials and would continue the movement until their demands are met. Assured safety of doctors is the first demand, followed by arrests of the killers and kidnappers. They also criticised Secretary Health, IG Police and CCPO Quetta for not maintaining law and order and demanded their dismissal immediately.
After all the chaos that followed Dr Khan’s kidnapping – the closing of all hospitals, the prolonged suffering of thousands of patients, and the clashes between demonstrating doctors and police – doctors and government officials have finally started a dialogue, initiated by Quetta Press Club.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2012.
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