Young Doctors Association to block Lahore’s main arteries today.

Lahore Braces for Major Disruptions as Doctors Threaten Citywide Protests During PSL Matches

Key Developments:

1. Young Doctors Announce Road Blockades

   • The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab has declared a citywide shutdown in Lahore, threatening to block major roads (Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Mayo Hospital routes, etc.) starting Friday (today).

   • The move aims to pressure the Punjab government to reverse its decision to outsource state-run hospitals.

   • Dr. Shaib Niazi (YDA President) warned of complete hospital shutdowns if force is used against protesters.

2. Clash with PSL Security Arrangements

   • The protests coincide with PSL-X matches in Lahore, raising security concerns for international players.

   • Police allege the timing is deliberate to “blackmail” the government during a high-profile event.

   • 10,000+ police personnel deployed for PSL security, with snipers, Dolphin Force, and Safe City surveillance activated.

3. Escalation Threats

   • Dr. Salman Haseeb (YDA leader) warned of “extreme steps” if protesters are arrested.

   • Protesters plan a march from Charing Cross to CM Secretariat to intensify pressure.

4. Government Stance

   • Authorities dismiss the protests as “irresponsible”, citing 18 days of prior agitation with no resolution.

   • Police vow to maintain order but fear disruptions could jeopardize PSL security.

Why Are Doctors Protesting?

• The Punjab government plans to outsource management of public hospitals, which doctors argue will privatize healthcare and reduce job security.

• Previous negotiations failed, prompting the YDA to escalate with road blockades.

Potential Fallout:

⚠ PSL Disruptions: Traffic chaos could affect player movements and fan access.
⚠ Healthcare Crisis: If hospitals shut down, patient care will suffer.
⚠ Police-Protester Clashes: Risk of violence if authorities attempt to clear blockades.

What’s Next?

• Friday’s Protests: Expected to paralyze key routes; police on high alert.

• Government Response: Will it negotiate or crack down?

• PSL Impact: Matches may proceed under tightened security, but fan turnout could drop.

Bottom Line: Lahore faces a dual crisis—doctors’ unrest vs. PSL security—with the government caught in the middle. The next 24 hours will determine whether protests escalate or a last-minute deal is struck.