HIV Cases Rise in Karachi, Islamabad Court Summons Officials Over Shisha Cafes

A significant increase in HIV cases has been reported across Pakistan, particularly affecting children in Karachi, where 78 to 80 children in one hospital have confirmed diagnoses, linked to the improper use of syringes. This has been identified as a systemic public health failure. In response to similar past outbreaks, bans on reusable syringes have been implemented and extended, but enforcement remains a challenge, especially in private healthcare settings. Concurrently, the Islamabad High Court has taken notice of rising HIV cases in the capital, linking them to numerous unlicensed shisha cafes, and has summoned top city officials to address the issue.