PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on unsafe syringes over HIV concerns

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday ordered an immediate crackdown on the production and use of low-quality syringes as part of efforts to curb the spread of infectious diseases. The instructions were issued during a high-level meeting in Islamabad focused on measures to control the growing threat of HIV and Hepatitis C, according to a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office. 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 During the meeting, the PM directed authorities to take strict legal action against individuals, healthcare facilities, and hospitals found using illegal syringes or showing criminal negligence in preventing their use. He also ordered the establishment of a special committee comprising health experts tasked with preparing recommendations, in coordination with provincial governments, to strengthen disease prevention efforts. PM Shehbaz further asked the law ministry to review existing regulations and propose necessary legal amendments aimed at improving oversight and enforcement in the healthcare sector. Stressing the seriousness of the issue, he said a nationwide strategy backed by effective implementation was essential to tackling the spread of infectious diseases. He also instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to work alongside the medical devices industry to ensure long-term safeguards against syringe-related infections. Highlighting the importance of global cooperation, the prime minister said support from international partners remained vital in combating infectious diseases and emphasised the need for medical staff training in line with international standards. Pakistan has faced repeated HIV outbreaks conn