PMA calls off strike after Sindh govt agrees on arms licenses for doctors

PMA Dr. Idress Eidhi informed the meeting about threats being given to the doctors.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association  (PMA) has called off its strike on Wednesday after Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah assured them that doctors would be provided with security and arms licenses.

Shah, while chairing a meeting over security of doctors in the city at the CM House in Karachi, assured doctors that arms licenses will be made available to them after due consultation with law enforcement agencies. The move will see doctors get arms license as early as 24 hours after the PMA submits its recommendation.

The meeting further decided to provide monetary support to the heirs of slain doctors from both public and private sector, after the requisite approval from the Sindh cabinet.

The chief minister directed the IG Sindh police, additional IG Karachi to remain in close contact with the PMA and other doctors over threats and take action against the culprits.

During the meeting, the PMA delegation was briefed about the ongoing targeted operation in the city.

The PMA delegation explained that threats had compelled the doctors to go on strike.

The Sindh Minister for Health Jam Mehtab Dahar , Secretary to CM Alumuddin Bullo , Home Secretary Sindh Abdul Rahim Somro, Secretary Health Iftikhar Shehlwani, IG Sindh Police Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali, Additional IG Karachi Police Ghulam Qadir Thebo, and the 15 member delegation of PMA, led by its president Dr Idress Edhi, attended the meeting.