KARACHI: Pakistani doctors' organizations have declared October 19 as a 'Black Day' to register their protest. The medical community in Pakistan condemns Israel's alleged war crimes and demands immediate global intervention.
Various doctors' associations have strongly criticized Israel for its alleged disregard of international norms during the ongoing Gaza offensive. The recent Israeli bombardment of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which resulted in significant casualties, has been particularly decried as a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention.
In response, Pakistani doctors and medical staff are set to wear black bands and organize demonstrations today to draw attention to the dire situation in Gaza and the violation of humanitarian principles.
Prominent leaders of medical associations including President of Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) Dr. Abdul Aziz Memon, former president Prof Dr. Sohail Akhtar, Central General Secretary of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Dr. Abdul Ghafur Shoro, Dr. Qaiser Sajjad, and Dr. Faisal issued a joint press release on Wednesday. They cited the Geneva Convention, which unequivocally safeguards healthcare facilities, workers, and access to medical aid during times of conflict.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Memon, speaking on behalf of the medical community, expressed dismay, stating, "Israel has, on the contrary, deprived the suffering Palestinians in Gaza of the essential medical aid they urgently require." The recent attack on Baptist Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which claimed the lives of numerous patients and innocent civilians taking refuge in and around the facility, has been described as an unimaginable act of barbarism.
Medical organizations have called upon international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the Pakistani government and other governments worldwide, to take immediate action. They question why Israel is allowed to continue such actions with impunity and demand an end to the blatant killing of innocent civilians.
Doctors are urging the Pakistani government to strongly condemn what they perceive as Israeli barbarism and to dispatch medical and humanitarian assistance to Gaza without delay. The healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has been severely damaged, and both medical supplies and human resources are critically depleted.