KARACHI: Police on Monday used water cannon and batons to prevent protesters belonging to the Covid-19 Doctors and Paramedic Association and All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) who were demonstrating for the fulfilment of their demands pertaining to job regularisation and pay and allowance raises respectively, officials and witnesses said.

When the protesters attempted to move forward from the Karachi Press Club, contingents of the police, already deployed on surrounding roads, took the action and prevented them from marching on Chief Minister House.

Later, the senior officials of police, district administration and departments concerned held talks with the protesters and a committee was formed to address their concerns, particularly those of the APCA, said DIG-South Syed Asad Raza.

However, Dr Indar Lal of Covid-19 Association told Dawn that their representatives were called for a meeting. He said there were 200 doctors and an undetermined number of paramedics who were recruited to serve during Covid-19 but their services were not being regularised.

He said for the last one year, their pay had also been stopped, which was being given to them in instalments now.

The protest began at 10am whereas the protestors, numbering around 500, including women, ended their protest at 7:50pm. Portions of Sarwar Shaheed Road and M.D. Wafai Road remained closed for traffic due to the protest.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2024