LAHORE, Aug 29: The Lahore High Court on Thursday issued a stay order against dismissal of 62 doctors and allowed them to continue with their house jobs.

Issuing the stay order, the court also directed the Punjab health secretary and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to submit reply by Sept 4.

The court further sought appearance of some responsible officer from health department on next hearing.

The doctors had challenged their termination from service and submitted that their posts had been abolished in violation of PMDC regulation and government intended to appoint doctors on political basis.

The petitioners said they were appointed as house officers on one-year contract but the Punjab government terminated their contract before the completion of the period. They said this act of the government was illegal, unconstitutional and against the fundamental rights.

They prayed to the court to restrain the government from terminating them from service and suspend the operation of termination letters.