Daily Times

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the reported spread of AIDS in Taunsa, directing authorities to identify both the causes of the outbreak and those responsible for any negligence.

Chairing a special meeting on the issue on Friday, the Chief Minister instructed the formation of a joint mission comprising UNICEF, WHO, and the Punjab Health Department. The mission will investigate the history of affected children from April 7 to 14 and conduct household screenings in the affected areas.

“The joint mission will present recommendations for the prevention and control of AIDS,” she stated, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

To protect at-risk populations, she ordered the formulation of an effective operational plan. Special AIDS treatment centers have already been established at Taunsa Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and other medical centers to ensure proper care for the affected individuals.

The Chief Minister further directed that all children affected by AIDS in Taunsa be provided with completely free treatment, warning that any negligence in their care would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, the CM said that incidents of rape against women are absolutely unacceptable while appreciating Faisalabad Police on arresting within a few hours the accused of gang rape during an incident of robbery in Faisalabad. She added,”Incidents of rape are shameful, effective steps are indispensable for justice.” She highlighted,”We are taking all possible steps to protect women and children.”

Madam Chief Minister herself kept monitoring the operation until arrest of the accused. She thanked Allah Almighty on success of the operation in a minimum possible time, and directed the authorities concerned to ensure strict punishment of the accused responsible for the heartbreaking incident. She also directed to ensure early arrest of the two associates of the accused Ali Sher.

Moreover, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed a deep sense of grief and sorrow over the death of Chairman P&D Nabeel Awan’s mother. She offered sincere condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to Nabeel Awan and other bereaved family members.