Dr Zafar Mirza warns of rising HIV cases, calls for urgent health reforms and transparency

ISLAMABAD: Former special assistant to the prime minister on health Zafar Mirza on Saturday warned that the growing number of HIV cases in Pakistan was becoming increasingly alarming, urging urgent reforms in the healthcare system.

Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, he pointed to the emergence of HIV cases in Taunsa, saying the reuse of contaminated syringes and inadequate screening of blood before transfusions were major causes behind the spread of the disease. He stressed that proper screening protocols were essential to prevent life-threatening infections.

Dr Mirza said Pakistan was among the countries with the highest number of HIV cases in Asia, alongside India and China. He noted that nearly 70 per cent of blood transfusions in the country were conducted without proper screening, increasing the risk of diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and malaria.

He described the situation as a reflection of systemic weaknesses in the healthcare system, calling the Taunsa incident a clear example of institutional failure. He demanded that the Punjab government make public the findings of its inquiry into the outbreak and also called for an audit of international health funding received by the country.

Dr Mirza emphasised that the issue was a cumulative failure over time rather than the responsibility of a single government, but said authorities must now take the matter seriously and implement effective corrective measures. He also highlighted the need for broader structural reforms in the health sector.

Separately, Dr Mirza — who is also associated with the Awaam Pakistan — expressed concern over the demolition of homes in Islamabad’s katchi abadis. He termed the ongoing operations a violation of court orders and fundamental rights, noting that hundreds of thousands of residents were facing displacement.

He called for an immediate halt to demolitions, compliance with court directives, and provision of alternative housing, compensation, and protection for affected families. He urged authorities to develop a comprehensive policy in consultation with local communities, stressing that access to shelter and dignity was a basic constitutional right.