PM Shehbaz orders nationwide ban on substandard syringes to curb infectious diseases

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed a complete nationwide ban on the manufacturing and use of substandard syringes to help curb the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis C.

Chairing a meeting to review measures aimed at preventing infectious diseases, the prime minister ordered strict legal action against individuals and hospitals found using substandard syringes or showing criminal negligence in preventing their use.

He also directed the formation of a special committee of experts to address infectious diseases and instructed it to consult with provincial governments while preparing recommendations.

The prime minister asked the Ministry of Law to propose necessary amendments to the legal and regulatory framework in coordination with relevant institutions.

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

Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive national strategy and its effective implementation, he said this remained the only sustainable solution to the issue. He directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to formulate policy measures in consultation with the medical equipment industry to permanently prevent the spread of infectious diseases through syringes.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of support from international partners in ongoing efforts to curb infectious diseases and stressed greater focus on medical equipment manufacturing and healthcare staff training.

The meeting was briefed by the Special Task Force established on the prime minister’s directives and the Ministry of National Health Services on steps taken to control the spread of infectious diseases.

The session was attended by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan, Global Fund representative Izaskun Gaviria, public health experts and senior government officials.