In pictures: Day of terror, violence as lawyers storm Lahore cardiac hospital

Three patients die as more than 200 lawyers protest at PIC, vandalise property.
Published December 11, 2019

At least three heart patients died on Wednesday after a protest by a group of lawyers against doctors at Lahore's Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) turned violent.

More than 200 lawyers, who had ongoing issues with the doctors of PIC, stormed the hospital, vandalising property and damaging dozens of vehicles of visitors and setting ablaze a police van, according to Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid.

Patients, some in ambulances, were unable to reach the hospital while those receiving treatment were left unattended due to the chaos. Prime Minister Imran Khan, who ordered an inquiry into the incident, directed the Punjab government to take stern action against all those involved in the attack.

A policeman chases a lawyer (L) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore on December 11. — AFP
A policeman chases a lawyer (L) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore on December 11. — AFP

Police officers gather next to a burning police vehicle that was set on fire by angry lawyers during a clash in Lahore. — AP
Police officers gather next to a burning police vehicle that was set on fire by angry lawyers during a clash in Lahore. — AP

Patients are seen through a broken window of PIC following an attack by lawyers in the premises in Lahore. — AFP
Patients are seen through a broken window of PIC following an attack by lawyers in the premises in Lahore. — AFP

A relative takes care of a patient on a bed after she was taken out of her ward when a group of lawyers stormed the PIC. — Reuters
A relative takes care of a patient on a bed after she was taken out of her ward when a group of lawyers stormed the PIC. — Reuters

Policemen detain a lawyer (R) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore on Wednesday. — AFP
Policemen detain a lawyer (R) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore on Wednesday. — AFP

Police use tear gas shell to disperse angry lawyers during a clash in Lahore. — AP
Police use tear gas shell to disperse angry lawyers during a clash in Lahore. — AP

Men stand as they look outside from broken windows after a group of lawyers stormed the Punjab Institute of Cardiology. — Reuters
Men stand as they look outside from broken windows after a group of lawyers stormed the Punjab Institute of Cardiology. — Reuters

People help patients as they come out from the cardiac hospital following an attack by lawyers in the premises in Lahore. — AFP
People help patients as they come out from the cardiac hospital following an attack by lawyers in the premises in Lahore. — AFP

Police officers detain a man during a clash in Lahore. — AP
Police officers detain a man during a clash in Lahore. — AP

Policemen detain a lawyer (C in white shirt) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore. — AFP
Policemen detain a lawyer (C in white shirt) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore. — AFP

People gather on the rooftop of the emergency block after a group of lawyers stormed the PIC. — Reuters
People gather on the rooftop of the emergency block after a group of lawyers stormed the PIC. — Reuters


Header image: Police officers scuffle with angry lawyers during a clash in Lahore on Wednesday. — AP