Federal JIT sought to probe Valika Hospital HIV cases

Sindh government accused of attempting to suppress the matter related to cases

KARACHI:

Advocate Tariq Mansoor, representing children allegedly infected with HIV at Valika Hospital in Karachi, has demanded that the federal government constitute a high-level Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into the incident, accusing the Sindh government of attempting to suppress the case.

He claimed that no report had been submitted by the inquiry committee formed to investigate the incident, while no FIR had been registered so far.

The lawyer demanded a transparent investigation to identify those responsible and ensure justice, lifelong medical treatment and financial assistance for the affected children.

He urged the federal government to constitute a JIT under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act and appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to intervene in the matter.

He stressed the need to broaden the scope of the investigation to examine all relevant aspects of the incident and determine responsibility.

Meanwhile, parents of the affected children complained that they continued to face serious difficulties in securing medical treatment, financial assistance and justice.

According to the parents, four children from one family have been diagnosed with HIV, but only two are receiving financial assistance from the Auqaf Fund.

They said medical facilities had initially improved but subsequently deteriorated again. Despite the formation of several inquiry committees, the difficulties faced by affected families remained unresolved, while many were still awaiting financial assistance.

The parents complained that even after receiving financial assistance cheques, they were unable to obtain the funds on time.

They said they had repeatedly informed the authorities about their difficulties but were merely advised to remain patient.

"Our children are fighting this disease every day, while our families are struggling to meet medical and other expenses," the parents said.

They demanded uninterrupted, quality medical treatment for their children, transparent and timely disbursement of financial assistance and concrete measures to safeguard their future.

Advocate Tariq Mansoor further alleged that he had been subjected to pressure and received phone calls over his efforts to advocate for the rights of the affected children. However, he vowed to continue his struggle despite these pressures.

He said he had also written letters to the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and European organisations, seeking their support for the affected families.

The lawyer appealed to the public to raise their voices for the children and launch a social media campaign under the slogan "Justice for Valika Hospital."

He emphasised that the affected children needed practical relief rather than mere announcements and repeated inquiry committees.

Such relief, he said, must include lifelong medical treatment, uninterrupted access to medicines, financial assistance and a transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.