GHA protesters arrested in late night raid at Charing Cross

LAHORE: Police launched a late-night cleanup operation against the Grand Health Alliance (GHA) sit-in at Charing Cross, arresting dozens of protesters, according to sources.

A heavy police contingent conducted the operation between Monday and Tuesday night. During the crackdown, 52 women and 20 male GHA protesters were detained and shifted to nearby police stations.

Police also removed banners, tents, and other belongings from the protest site. Strict security measures were implemented in the area, and traffic was diverted to alternate routes around Charing Cross.

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The Grand Health Alliance had organised the sit-in to demand better salaries, service structures, and facilities for doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff of public hospitals.

Police officials stated that the purpose of the operation was to remove obstacles to public movement and maintain law and order.

Earlier in the day Lahore police had taken several protesters in custody after they tried to move towards the Chief Minister’s House from Charing Cross.

Clashes broke out when police tried to stop them.

Police began forcefully detaining protesters, dragging them into prison vans. Protesters attacked a police vehicle in response. During the scuffle, two people were injured, and a police officer’s uniform was torn.

DIG Operations Faisal Kamran stated that the protesters attempted to break the GOR gate, which is why they were pushed back. He confirmed that those arrested had since been released.

The Grand Health Alliance (GHA) protest against the privatisation of Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) has entered its fourth week.

The protest has disrupted services at government hospitals, leading to the shutdown of outpatient departments (OPDs) and indoor wards.

Talks between the provincial government and the GHA have so far failed to resolve the deadlock.