SHC Orders Independent Probe Into Karachi Children’s HIV Outbreak
The Sindh High Court on Thursday ordered the provincial government to establish an independent inquiry committee to investigate a serious HIV outbreak among children linked to Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital, placing renewed legal and public-health focus on one of the city’s most alarming medical safety cases.
A two-judge bench headed by Justice Adnanul Karim Memon and comprising Justice Muhammad Jaffer Raza issued the directive while announcing its reserved decision on a petition that sought an impartial investigation, legal proceedings, long-term treatment and compensation for affected children and their families.
The outbreak was first reported late last year at the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution-run hospital in Karachi’s SITE area. According to figures shared by the Sindh government, at least 78 children were confirmed HIV-positive at the hospital, while screening in nearby areas detected 120 more cases. The petitioner, Advocate Tariq Mansoor, has claimed the number of infected children could be around 200.
In its order, the court observed that earlier departmental proceedings and official reports had not adequately established the full number of affected patients, the possible source of infection, the circumstances of transmission or whether infection-control procedures were followed. The bench said an independent and evidence-based mechanism was necessary to protect public confidence and ensure transparency.
The court directed that the new committee be led by the Sindh chief secretary, who may include two senior officers not below BS-20, preferably officials with no direct administrative role in the hospital’s affairs or the earlier inquiry. The committee has been asked to examine records, medical data, laboratory reports, procurement details, syringe stock registers, duty rosters, inspection reports and other relevant material before finalising its findings.
A major focus of the inquiry will be whether disposable syringes or medical equipment were reused, improperly discarded, inadequately sterilised or handled in violation of medical protocols and Sindh’s disposable syringes law. The committee must also assess the role of medical, nursing, technical, administrative and supervisory officials, and determine whether any individual or institution failed to fulfil legal or professional duties.
The SHC also ordered that the committee submit a comprehensive report within two months of its constitution. Where evidence supports wrongdoing, the report may recommend departmental, statutory or criminal action. The court made clear that allegations alone cannot determine guilt, and that any adverse finding must be backed by evidence and fair hearing.
The bench further directed the chief secretary, health authorities and SESSI to ensure all affected HIV-positive children and other identified patients receive uninterrupted and comprehensive medical care free of cost. This includes medicines, diagnostic investigations, counselling and follow-up treatment at appropriate institutions for as long as medically required.
The court also instructed the authorities to determine lawful compensation or financial assistance for each affected child or family and complete the process without unnecessary delay or hardship. It stressed that no child or family should face discrimination, stigma or denial of medical or social support because of HIV status, while identities and medical records must remain protected under confidentiality standards.
Beyond the immediate case, the order highlights Pakistan’s wider challenge of enforcing infection-prevention rules in public and semi-public healthcare settings. The next two months will be critical, as the committee’s findings may shape accountability at the hospital, influence future safety reforms and determine whether families affected by the outbreak receive sustained treatment, compensation and justice.