Daily Times

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of blackmailing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a bid to hinder accountability of government officials.

Addressing a news conference in Larkana on Saturday after visiting HIV screening camps, Bilawal said the premier had been exerting pressure on the anti-corruption watchdog for a while, but no one expected him to blackmail NAB.

“I condemn his attempt to defame NAB. Why did only a single TV channel run by the PM’s advisor aired the news?” he asked. The PPP chairman said that just a single Iftar dinner he hosted was enough for the government to panic as “screams could now be heard coming out of the PM House”. Criticising the government, Bilawal said that masses were bearing the brunt of the rulers’ incompetence, adding that “NABgardi” had scarred investors.

During the visit, Bilawal was accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho, Murtaza Wahab, Nisar Khuhro and others. He was informed that over 22,000 people have been screened so far for HIV. He also met with affected children, their parents and assured them that the government would help them.

He announced the establishment of an endowment fund to help treat HIV patients. “I have asked the Sindh chief minister to establish the fund.”

“This issue is being highlighted through the media. Our doctors are doing their job. Few things need to be made clear. Since there is no information about HIV in the country. That is why people are panicking. The media should help us in raising awareness in high-risk communities along with other political parties. No single person can fight this viral disease. We all have to fight it jointly,” he said.

“Children’s lives and health should not be used for political purposes. There is a lot of difference between HIV & AIDS. Treatment of HIV is possible. However, if it is not treated, it turns into AIDS,” he said. He said treatment of HIV positive cases was possible like other diseases. “We are fighting this issue since 2012 when a bill was passed by Sindh Assembly. We are bringing a new amended law now so that this disease can be dealt with collectively,” he said. “HIV is not a death sentence, but its treatment is possible. Media is disclosing names of the affected people. It will affect their social lives. News of 300 HIV positive cases in Turbat was also aired on the same day when 150 cases were detected in Ratodero, but it was not noticed. Some elements are politicising the issue, but we have to provide treatment to the children,” he said.

He said usage of auto-lock syringes would be made mandatory and substandard blood banks would be closed down. He demanded the removal of the health minister who gave a controversial statement about HIV and children.