PMA rejects Shahbaz Gill’s allegation

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) expressed distress over the statement issued by Shahbaz Gill, who accused doctors of being involved in politics.

Shahbaz Gill further blamed that the press conference was organized on the directives of the Sindh Government. The PMA categorically rejects these blames.

The PMA and some very senior doctors addressed a press conference recently held at the Karachi Press Club to highlight the worsening situation of Pakistan regarding the coronavirus. We gave our honest and professional opinion and requested the government and ulema to review their decision of holding Namaz-e-Juma and Namaz-e-Taraveh in mosques during Ramadan.

We requested them to withdraw this decision because it could contribute to the further spread of the COVID-19. Being medical professionals, we must inform the nation by portraying the actual picture of the situation. We also requested all the stakeholders and the general public to stay at home to avoid acquiring the coronavirus.

Mr Gill’s statement is a serious issue. In his speech, he also said that this press conference was only held in Karachi, whereas yesterday, the PMA Lahore also warned the government to take back this decision; otherwise, the COVID-19 spread could exceed our control. We are expressing our concerns as per the PMA’s policy.

The PMA requested Shahbaz Gill to take back his statement because he hurt the doctors’ community at a time when they are fighting against the coronavirus as the frontline soldiers.

-MN Report