RAWALPINDI: Local leaders, workers and supporters of the PML-N on Tuesday staged a protest demonstration against the medical superintendent (MS) of Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) for allegedly victimising the daughter of jailed party leader Hanif Abbasi.

Dr Areeba Abbasi, daughter of the former PML-N lawmaker, was serving at the skin department of the BBH as a medical officer. But the MS transferred her to the emergency department. In protest, the doctor submitted her resignation to the law secretary.Punjab Law Minister Mohammad Basharat Raja called and asked the MS to cancel the transfer. When the MS refused, the minister reportedly threatened to remove him from his post.

A large number of PML-N workers and leaders gathered at Committee Chowk on Murree Road and chanted slogans against Dr Tariq Niazi, the MS, for politically victimising the female doctor. The protesters blocked the road by burning old tyres.

They also asked the government to launch an inquiry against Dr Niazi.

Led by PML-N’s former candidate for NA-60 Sajjad Khan, the protesters also chanted slogans against the chief minister and the secretary health. They demanded the removal of the MS and not to accept the resignation of Dr Areeba. Mr Khan said the father of Dr Areeba had gifted scores of development schemes to the city, including introducing reforms in the health sector.

He said the PML-N appreciated the efforts of the Punjab law minister to get the transfer of Dr Areeba cancelled.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2018