Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ban the production and use of substandard syringes as part of a nationwide effort to curb the spread of infectious diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis C.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on measures to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. The prime minister instructed officials to take strict action against individuals, healthcare facilities and hospitals found using illegal or low-quality syringes or showing criminal negligence in preventing their use.
To strengthen the country’s response, Shehbaz Sharif ordered the formation of a committee of medical and public health experts tasked with developing recommendations in consultation with provincial governments. He also directed the Ministry of Law to propose amendments to the existing legal and regulatory framework to improve oversight and enforcement.
اسلام آباد : 3 جولائی، 2026.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت ایڈز اور ہیپاٹائٹس سی جیسے متعدی امراض کی روک تھام کے لیے اٹھائے گئے اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.
اجلاس میں وزیرِ اعظم نے ہدایت کی کہ متعدی امراض کے پھیلاؤ کے فوری سد باب کے لیے ملک بھر… pic.twitter.com/RA4MqRdTJF
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 3, 2026
The prime minister stressed that a comprehensive national strategy, backed by effective implementation, was essential to controlling infectious diseases. He also instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to work with the medical devices industry to ensure stronger quality standards and permanently reduce the risk of disease transmission through contaminated or unsafe syringes.
Highlighting the importance of global cooperation, Shehbaz Sharif said support from international partners would remain vital in strengthening Pakistan’s disease prevention efforts. He also emphasised the need to train healthcare workers according to international standards to improve infection control practices.
اسلام آباد : 3 جولائی، 2026.
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت ایڈز اور ہیپاٹائٹس سی جیسے متعدی امراض کی روک تھام کے لیے اٹھائے گئے اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.
اجلاس میں وزیرِ اعظم نے ہدایت کی کہ متعدی امراض کے پھیلاؤ کے فوری سد باب کے لیے ملک بھر… pic.twitter.com/RA4MqRdTJF
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 3, 2026
Pakistan has witnessed several HIV outbreaks linked to unsafe medical practices in recent years. Health authorities have previously reported clusters of infections among children in Karachi, Taunsa and other areas, while the 2019 HIV outbreak in Ratodero, Sindh, infected hundreds of children and prompted an investigation by the World Health Organization.
Investigations into previous outbreaks found that the repeated use of contaminated syringes and poor infection control measures were major contributing factors. The government hopes the latest measures will improve patient safety, strengthen healthcare standards and reduce the spread of preventable infectious diseases across the country.