Pakistan News & Features Services
The doctors in Pakistan, having generally complained of being treated harshly by police when coming face to face during demonstrations, protests or strikes, have experienced a pleasant change of attitude on part of the law enforcers when working as the frontline fighters during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The policemen as well as the paramilitary rangers have lately been found saluting the doctors on the roads of Karachi, Islamabad and other cities, reflecting positive vibes and boosting the morale of those directly fighting the deadly virus. They have been showing massive respect for healthcare workers, hailing them as the first line of defence against COVID-19.
Similar change of attitude of cops has also been witnessed in many other countries where the doctors have been stopped on the roads, not for the verification of their documents but for saluted and recognized. Such gestures of showing their respect to medics, have meant a lot to doctors and other healthcare workers around the world.
An expatriate lady doctor, working in Dubai, recently described it an unforgettable experience when police stopped her car and gave a salute instead of checking her documents during curfew hours.
Dr Ayesha Sultana was reported to be returning home on April 28 when stopped by Dubai Police near the Al Mulla Plaza on the Dubai-Sharjah highway. She was driving home to Sharjah after finishing her shift at the Al Ahli Screening centre in Dubai.
"I did panic a bit and I was focused on getting my work permit and other documents to prove I am a doctor. But to my surprise, the policemen refused to check my documents and instead gave me a salute and said I can go. This is the best reward you can get as a doctor,” the doctor was quoted as saying.
