LAHORE: Police arrested 72 protesters, including 52 women and 20 men, during a late-night crackdown on a sit-in organized by the Grand Health Alliance (GHA) at Charing Cross.
The protesters, mostly healthcare workers and young doctors, had gathered to demonstrate against the alleged privatization of government hospitals and recent disciplinary actions taken by the health department. A heavy police contingent moved in late Monday night, dismantled the protest camp, and detained the participants. Protesters’ belongings were also confiscated during the operation.
Tensions escalated further on Tuesday as clashes broke out between police and protesters attempting to march toward the Chief Minister House, located in a designated high-security zone. According to eyewitnesses, a stretch of The Mall between Charing Cross and Alhamra Hall turned into a confrontation site, disrupting traffic and daily business in the area.
Police officials claimed that some protesters used syringes and blades, reportedly taken from hospital stocks, to injure officers. Protesters, in turn, accused the police of using excessive force and targeting women demonstrators.
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab, a leading force behind the agitation, condemned the arrests and announced a series of retaliatory steps. These include suspending all scheduled surgeries and barring police personnel from entering public hospitals across Punjab. The group warned of a strike across indoor wards if their demands were not met.
The unrest follows administrative decisions to transfer or terminate several doctors allegedly involved in mobilizing strikes in outpatient departments.
While the GHA temporarily retreated to Charing Cross after attempting to reach Club Chowk, the group has vowed to continue its protest until its demands are addressed.
