Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Wednesday took notice of a violent protest by lawyers at Lahore’s Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), during which four patients lost their lives.

Grand Health Alliance Chairman Dr. Salman confirmed the number of deaths. According to reports, the patients were in critical condition and were left unattended after the lawyers barged into emergency wards.

The tensed situation at the hospital spread fear among the patients when lawyers started attacking the PIC assets after raising slogans in different wards and some people entered into the operation theatres which led to the stoppage of the scheduled surgeries of cardiac patients.

Following hours of continued violence, police caught more than a dozen attorneys and unblocked the road. Punjab government ordered extra troops of Rangers personnel to maintain law and order.

A large number of lawyers gathered outside PIC on Wednesday to protest against the offensive video. The protest, however, turned violent as the lawyers initially closed off entry and exit points to the hospital.

The dispute between lawyers and young doctors reemerged as a rally attended by hundreds of lawyers stormed Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Lahore.

The protesters also damaged equipment inside and broke windows of the hospital as well as cars parked outside. Protesters smashed doors of emergency theatres and staff had to run out to save themselves, according to reports.