PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Monday condemned the brutal police action against the protesting doctors in Quetta and said torturing the army fighting against the coronavirus was a condemnable act.

Instead of providing the doctors with the protective kits, they are being baton-charged, Shehbaz said, asking the government to understand show seriousness and understand the severity of the situation.

In a statement, the PML-N president said the coronavirus could not be defeated by speeches, torture and batons.

Expressing his full support to the doctors, Shehbaz added that he had been constantly asking the government to arrange the PPE (personal protection equipment) for the healthcare workers.

Earlier, police used baton charge and arrested several doctors who were protesting against the Balochistan government over the failure to provide the necessary personal gear to fight the coronavirus.

The police action came as the doctors and paramedical staff wanted to move towards the Chief Minister’s House in Quetta while refusing to end their protest.

Earlier, the YDA had announced a protest against the government after which a large contingent of police was deployed around the Governor’s House and Chief Minister’s House on Monday.

They had planned to besiege both the Governor’s House and Chief Minister’s House over the government’s inability to provide PPE [personal protection equipment] for enabling the doctors and other healthcare staff.

The police were also stationed around the Civil Hospital from where the doctors brought out a rally towards the Chief Minster’s House.

According to the doctors, they are protesting against the government’s callousness and to protect their genuine rights.

They said 12 doctors had so far been infected by the virus and the government’s claims of providing the health services only remained a claim.

The government had not paid attention to their demands despite being repeatedly informed about the grave situation, the doctors added.

Earlier on Saturday, the Balochistan government had suspended 44 doctors over failure to join duty in Taftan during the coronavirus outbreak in the province.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) announced its full support to the YDA, saying they will stand by the young doctors in the future course of action.

The announcement came at an emergency meeting of YDA Balochistan after the use of force against the protesting doctors.