Court Hearing on Alleged HIV Outbreak
A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court, comprising Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon and Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry, on Thursday heard a petition filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor alleging gross negligence by the Sindh government in addressing an HIV outbreak at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi. The petitioner claimed that reused injections at the hospital had resulted in hundreds of children contracting HIV, with nine deaths reported, and that no meaningful legal action had been taken despite eight months having passed since the deaths.
Petitioner's Allegations
Advocate Tariq Mansoor told the court that an inquiry was conducted in response to a legal notice, but its findings had neither been presented before the court nor shared publicly. He also noted that international organisations, including UNICEF, had expressed concern over the situation. According to the petitioner, nearly one million industrial workers and around eight million of their family members depend on Sindh government hospitals for medical treatment. He alleged that affected children were still not receiving adequate healthcare and that no FIRs had been registered over the deaths because, under the relevant law, only the provincial health secretary is authorised to initiate such cases.
Court's Response
During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel became emotional, telling the bench that unless the court intervened, "hundreds more children could die." Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon responded that while the court understood the gravity of the allegations, it would proceed strictly in accordance with the law and established legal procedure. Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry also advised counsel to allow the court to perform its constitutional role rather than make speeches. The bench observed that it would reach a conclusion only after receiving responses from all parties, assuring the petitioner that the matter would be examined thoroughly in accordance with due process.
Court Order
The court directed the Sindh government to submit its report within two weeks, sought replies from the respondents, and adjourned the hearing until July 20.
Protest by Affected Families
Following the hearing, affected families gathered outside the Sindh High Court to protest, carrying placards and calling for justice for children allegedly infected during treatment at the hospital. The protesters included Advocate Tariq Mansoor, parents and HIV-positive children. Demonstrators accused the authorities of failing to protect patients and demanded strict action against those responsible, along with comprehensive medical treatment for the victims. Parents said their children's health deteriorated after treatment at Valika Hospital and that subsequent tests at another medical facility confirmed they had contracted HIV. They also described the social stigma their children now face, saying neighbours often prevent their own children from playing with those living with HIV, leaving the young victims isolated in addition to coping with a life-threatening illness.
Advocate's Remarks
Addressing the protesters, Advocate Tariq Mansoor described the alleged reuse of contaminated syringes as a "heinous crime" and said the issue had been raised before every available legal and administrative forum. He noted that the High Court had now sought explanations from the provincial health authorities and expressed hope that the judicial process would ensure accountability, justice for the affected families, and improved treatment for the children.
