Pakistan court overturns dismissals of protesting doctors in Punjab

A high court in Pakistan’s Punjab province struck down on Thursday termination notices issued to a group of doctors who had been protesting public healthcare reforms.

The Lahore High Court ruled in favor of petitions filed by members of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) and other medical professionals, who challenged the legality of their dismissals.

Justice Muhammad Sajid Mehmood Sethi heard the case, which involved petitions from YDA President Dr Shoaib Niazi and other doctors, including Dr Arsalan Raza and Dr Haseeb Thind, who challenged their dismissal from service.

The petitioners had requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the health secretaries and to overturn the termination notices. Representing the Health Department, Special Secretary Health (Admin) Tariq Rehmani and Additional Secretary Medical Education Sidra appeared before the court, while the doctors were present alongside their legal counsel.

  Healthcare workers in Punjab protesting against the government’s proposed health reforms.  Courtesy: YDA Punjab Facebook page 

During the hearing, the doctors’ lawyer argued that despite earlier court orders suspending the dismissal notices, the affected doctors had not been allowed to resume their duties. The assistant advocate general for Punjab responded that the court’s directions would be implemented accordingly.

The counsel also cited a similar case in which the Rawalpindi Bench of the high court had ruled in favor of two doctors, adding weight to the argument for reinstatement.

After hearing both sides, the court accepted the petitions and directed the health secretaries and relevant officials to reinstate the doctors as per legal procedures.

What's the issue?

The case is linked to widespread protests by the Grand Health Alliance -- a coalition of doctors, nurses, and paramedics -- opposing the Punjab government’s decision to outsource public hospitals and health facilities. The alliance warned that the proposed reforms would harm both healthcare staff and patient care.

As the protests escalated through sit-ins and service disruptions, the provincial government responded by suspending or dismissing 17 healthcare workers, including young doctors and nurses, in April. Authorities also enforced strict measures to keep outpatient departments (OPDs) running across the province.

The crackdown came amid reports that over 500,000 patients were left without medical attention at OPDs during the strike, sparking serious concerns over access to essential health services in Punjab.