KARACHI ,Advocate Tariq Mansoor, who is representing families of more than 169 children allegedly infected with HIV at Sindh Social Security’s Walika Hospital, has called for a high-level federal joint investigation team (JIT) to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the matter.
Mansoor said the investigation should examine the alleged medical negligence, administrative failures and possible financial irregularities linked to the reported spread of HIV among children. He also said the number of affected children could be close to 200, while nine children have reportedly died.
Call for Federal Investigation
Speaking to Express News, Mansoor proposed that the JIT include representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), along with other relevant federal institutions.
According to the lawyer, the investigation should determine how the children were allegedly exposed to HIV and examine medical procedures, hospital management and potential financial irregularities.
Mansoor alleged that negligence involving medical practices, including the reported use of syringes and blood bags, may have contributed to the spread of HIV. He called for these allegations to be investigated independently rather than treated as established findings.
Demand for Forensic Review of Hospital Records
The lawyer urged the federal government to constitute a high-level investigation under Section 3 of the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act and conduct a forensic review of the circumstances surrounding the cases.
He also called for the investigation to extend beyond Walika Hospital to other Sindh Social Security hospitals and relevant healthcare institutions, including Landhi Social Security Hospital, Chandka Hospital in Larkana and Gambat Institute.
Mansoor said records covering the past 20 years should be secured and examined to identify any possible administrative failures, medical negligence or financial irregularities.
Earlier Committees and Notices
Mansoor said the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had issued a notice to the Social Security Commission on August 5, 2026. He added that a committee headed by the Sindh chief secretary, with the commissioner Karachi, chairman Anti-Corruption and relevant inspection officials, was formed on September 2.
However, he claimed that the committee had yet to submit its report.
The lawyer said he would continue working for the affected children and their families. He also said letters had been sent to international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, International Labour Organization (ILO), European Union and European Commission, seeking cooperation in addressing the children’s concerns and protecting their rights.
Mansoor called on the federal and provincial governments and relevant state institutions to ensure comprehensive medical care for the affected children, protection of their rights, transparent use of allocated funds and an independent, fair and impartial investigation into the matter.