LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir has criticized a recent report by BBC on HIV cases, calling it a “deliberate attempt” to malign Pakistan’s image.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the minister clarified that the government does not deny the presence of HIV, adding that the Punjab Health Department had proactively addressed the issue in Taunsa over a year ago through extensive screening efforts.
He revealed that more than 50,000 individuals were tested in the region, with 334 cases detected most of them children under the age of 12. According to him, authorities had already taken measures to control the situation before the report surfaced.
Nazir questioned the credibility of the report, stating that it referenced individuals and volunteers who do not exist. He also raised concerns over relying on claims made by a doctor whose clinic has been sealed, adding that the government would investigate the matter thoroughly.
The minister emphasized that the health department strictly follows safety protocols and does not use reusable syringes. He further noted that a dedicated HIV treatment center has been operational at Tehsil Hospital Taunsa for the past year.
Terming the report “misleading,” Nazir said it risked creating unnecessary fear and panic among the public. He also pointed out that other provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, have reported higher numbers of HIV cases compared to Punjab.
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