KARACHI, Aug 24: Advisor to chief minister on home and coordination Aftab Shaikh has said that the government will issue arms licences liberally to all doctors for self-protection.

Doctors may get their applications forwarded by the DCO Karachi and submit to the home department for issue of arm licenses.

This was announced by the advisor during a meeting with the office-bearers of the Pakistan Medical Association on August 23 at the home department.

The home secretary, the provincial police officer, the capital city police officer and the DIG operations also attended the meeting.

Mr Aftab Shaikh also announced the government would pay compensation to those killed in a terrorist attacks.

“Compensation to a number of doctors killed in terrorist attacks have been paid, but if there is any bereaved family they may inform the home department,” the advisor added.

The PMA office-bearers raised the issue of security of doctors. They also observed that no compensation had been paid to the families of late doctors and their cases were not pursued properly.

The PMA sought maximum protection for medical complexes where a large number of doctors were employed. However, for individual clinics it was suggested they hire private security guards, besides informing the local police for patrolling and security.