HIV surge raises alarm
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Former special assistant to the prime minister on health Dr Zafar Mirza on Saturday warned that the spread of HIV in Pakistan was reaching troubling levels, urging urgent systemic intervention as fresh cases continue to surface.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, he pointed to the recent outbreak in Taunsa exposed by a BBC investigation, saying unsafe medical practices were driving infections.
He identified the reuse of contaminated syringes and the failure to properly screen blood prior to transfusions as key factors behind the spread.
He also called for the Punjab government's inquiry report into the incident to be made public and demanded an audit of international health funding received by Pakistan.
Dr Mirza was joined at the briefing by Dr Rana Jawad, Dr Qaid Saeed, Asghar Satti and an HIV-positive patient.
He noted that Pakistan ranks among Asian countries with a high burden of HIV cases, alongside India and China, and warned that nearly 70 per cent of blood transfusions in the country are conducted without adequate screening.
He stressed that diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and malaria require strict and consistent screening protocols to contain their spread.
Emphasising that proper blood screening was essential to prevent life-threatening infections, he argued that the growing prevalence of HIV and similar diseases reflects deeper structural weaknesses in the healthcare system.
The Taunsa outbreak stands as a stark illustration of systemic failure, he added.
Dr Mirza maintained that responsibility for the crisis cannot be pinned on a single administration, describing it instead as a cumulative failure over time. However, he underscored the need for both federal and provincial governments, as well as the public, to recognise the seriousness of the situation and act decisively.
He added that while the health sector has not been fully privatised, it urgently requires comprehensive reforms to improve oversight and service delivery.
Separately, Dr Mirza condemned ongoing demolitions in Islamabad's katchi abadis, calling for their immediate regularisation.
"Despite a clear stay order (injunctive order) issued by the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), the continued operations in Bari Imam, Allama Iqbal Colony G-7, and other areas constitute a blatant violation of court directives and a direct assault on the fundamental rights of vulnerable citizens," he said.
"Awaam Pakistan welcomes the decision of the FCC to uphold the injunction against forced evictions and to direct the CDA to formulate a clear, comprehensive, and workable policy on katchi abadis within four weeks. However, we believe that this delay has left hundreds of thousands of citizens in a state of uncertainty and fear - an unacceptable situation in any civilised society."
Dr Mirza said the state must prioritise the protection of its most vulnerable citizens rather than displacing them.
"At present, over 450,000 residents in Islamabad have either been rendered homeless or are living under the constant threat of displacement. Awaam Pakistan views this not merely as an administrative issue, but as a serious humanitarian and constitutional crisis. Standing in solidarity with the All Pakistan Alliance for Katchi Abadis, Awaam Pakistan remains committed to supporting all citizens striving for their fundamental rights to shelter, security, and dignity."
He demanded an immediate halt to demolitions, full compliance with court orders, provision of protection, alternative housing and fair compensation to affected families, and the formulation of a sustainable policy in consultation with communities.