LAHORE: A doctor, who was manhandled at an oath-taking ceremony for raising “Go Nawaz Go” slogan the other day, has hit out at chief minister’s adviser Khwaja Salman Rafique.

Speaking at the Lahore Press Club on Wednesday, Dr Salman Petal deplored that the CM’s adviser instead of taking action against those who tortured him declared him (Dr Salman) a “non-serious character”.

He said Pakistan Medical Association Punjab senior office-bearer Dr Izhar Chaudhry tortured him in the presence of Mr Rafique and many other people. Calling Dr Izhar the “Gullu Butt” of the medical community, he announced that he would launch a movement against him and other “so-called” office-bearers of the PMA.

“I got first presidential award in academic distinctions at the age of 12 and gold medals at 16 and 18 years respectively and then pride of performance in the Nishtar Medical College, Multan,” Dr Salman said. He said instead of recognising his services, a PMA office-bearer subjected him to torture while the advisor to chief minister issued a humiliating statement that forced him to take the matter to the media as well as the medical community.

He further said he had also faced suspension when he welcomed PTI chairman Imran Khan in his hometown. He announced that he would continue his protest against the PMA office-bearers and Mr Rafique.

The spokesman for the PMA Punjab chapter in a statement on Wednesday said the association was working for the welfare and betterment of patients and health professionals irrespective of political affiliation of its members. He said the association regrets and apologises unconditionally if any person or member has been hurt by any action of any office-bearer of the PMA.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd , 2014