Sit-in: Chilled to the bone, people brave the cold
Hospitals treat marchers for fever, other ailments.
In the last three days, over 270 participants and 45 policemen have been to the hospital and the number of patients is on the rise. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Even the downpour on Thursday did little to dampen the spirits of Tahirul Qadri’s followers as they braced the chilly winds which landed over 100 of them in the Islamabad hospitals.
Polyclinic hospital received 80 patients, while the emergency department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) received over 20.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Tanvir Malik, the emergency ward in-charge at Polyclinic said of the 80 patients, 49 went to the emergency ward. “The majority of them were completely soaked, shivering in the cold and were suffering from high fever,” he added.
In the last three days, over 270 participants and 45 policemen have been to the hospital and the number of patients is on the rise. They all are being provided with medicines, but no one has been admitted, said Dr Malik.
Over 200 marchers received medical treatment for various ailments at Polyclinic in the last two days, according to spokesman Dr Sharif Astori.
Rainwater was mixed with the heaps of garbage created a mess. Most participants were seen shivering in the cold, their clothes and blankets all wet. But their spirits were high and they called the rain a “blessing of God.” Dates, dry fruit, tea and boiled eggs were distributed to participants to help them fight the cold.
“We are here to fight for the rights of 180 million Pakistanis and God is helping us by showering His blessing upon us in the form of rain to keep us cool and calm,” said Syeda Tooba who had come from Lahore.
Humaira, another participant said, “The rain is making our resolve stronger and boosting our morale. By standing in the rain we are conveying a message to our corrupt leaders that this nation will not bow before any challenge.”
Sidra, a volunteer co-ordinating with the media told The Express Tribune that they were prepared for the rain and had made arrangements. “We have brought plastic sheets, umbrellas and extra blankets with us to keep us warm in case of rain.” We have also increased the number of tents for women and children to shelter in during the rain. But the majority of them are charged up and they want to stay outside to express solidarity with their leader,” she added.
In the evening, most participants could be seen burning piles of garbage and plastic bags near their tents to keep warm.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2013.
Even the downpour on Thursday did little to dampen the spirits of Tahirul Qadri’s followers as they braced the chilly winds which landed over 100 of them in the Islamabad hospitals.
Polyclinic hospital received 80 patients, while the emergency department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) received over 20.
Talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Tanvir Malik, the emergency ward in-charge at Polyclinic said of the 80 patients, 49 went to the emergency ward. “The majority of them were completely soaked, shivering in the cold and were suffering from high fever,” he added.
In the last three days, over 270 participants and 45 policemen have been to the hospital and the number of patients is on the rise. They all are being provided with medicines, but no one has been admitted, said Dr Malik.
Over 200 marchers received medical treatment for various ailments at Polyclinic in the last two days, according to spokesman Dr Sharif Astori.
Rainwater was mixed with the heaps of garbage created a mess. Most participants were seen shivering in the cold, their clothes and blankets all wet. But their spirits were high and they called the rain a “blessing of God.” Dates, dry fruit, tea and boiled eggs were distributed to participants to help them fight the cold.
“We are here to fight for the rights of 180 million Pakistanis and God is helping us by showering His blessing upon us in the form of rain to keep us cool and calm,” said Syeda Tooba who had come from Lahore.
Humaira, another participant said, “The rain is making our resolve stronger and boosting our morale. By standing in the rain we are conveying a message to our corrupt leaders that this nation will not bow before any challenge.”
Sidra, a volunteer co-ordinating with the media told The Express Tribune that they were prepared for the rain and had made arrangements. “We have brought plastic sheets, umbrellas and extra blankets with us to keep us warm in case of rain.” We have also increased the number of tents for women and children to shelter in during the rain. But the majority of them are charged up and they want to stay outside to express solidarity with their leader,” she added.
In the evening, most participants could be seen burning piles of garbage and plastic bags near their tents to keep warm.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2013.