The frontline healthcare professionals in the war against COVID-19 are in a state of shock as the government had ignored them while conferring civil awards despite their services during the deadly pandemic.

One of the leading healthcare professionals, Dr Saad Khalid Niaz, in his letter to President Arif Alvi, said that he felt extremely disappointed that the government ignored medical fraternity's efforts against Covid 19 while announcing presidential awards.

"I only requested you and those suggested by you to give a statement to recognize the sacrifices made by the entire medical fraternity," he wrote.

Dr Saad, who is already a recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz for recognition of his services in medicine, had also said that he was considering to return the civil award back to the President of Pakistan for ignoring the healthcare professionals, who served day and night during the pandemic and saved many families.

"I had mentioned to you clearly that if no action is taken I would have no choice but to return my Tamghae Imtiaz back," Dr. Saad wrote in his letter.