Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Muhammad Aamir Siddiqui on Saturday submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly seeking an independent investigation into reported HIV cases linked to Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital in Karachi.
The resolution, submitted to the secretary of the Sindh Provincial Assembly, expressed serious concern over reports of HIV transmission at the hospital and the potential implications for public health.
It called on the Sindh government to establish an independent commission to investigate the reported cases, determine whether infections extend beyond those already identified and assess the wider scale of the problem across the province.
The resolution also recommended that officials found responsible for overseeing the relevant areas be removed from their positions pending completion of the inquiry.
Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital, located in Karachi’s SITE area, is operated by the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI). Concerns have emerged over alleged HIV transmission among children who received treatment at the facility.
The matter is also before the Sindh High Court. During a hearing on August 11, a lawyer representing affected families alleged that information concerning the case was being concealed and that an inquiry report had not been provided to the court.
A large number of parents of affected children attended the proceedings alongside Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr.
The petitioners’ lawyer told the court that nine children had died while the case remained pending and accused officials of withholding relevant information.
The counsel also claimed that around 1,200 children across Sindh had been diagnosed with HIV and alleged that Dr Shazia Altaf had withheld records from the inquiry committee.