Technical Advisory Committee Calls for Streamlined HIV Legislation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR: The Technical Advisory Committee reviewing the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa HIV Prevention, Treatment, Care and Protection Bill, 2026 has called for a more focused and practical law that protects the rights and dignity of people living with HIV while integrating the provincial HIV response into the existing public health system.
The committee was established on the directions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Khaliq ur Rehman. The meeting was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) with technical assistance from Blue Veins and chaired by KPCSW Chairperson Dr Sumera Shams.
Dr Sumera Shams said the proposed legislation should combine effective public health measures with strong protections for human rights. She stressed the importance of dignity, confidentiality and equality, while ensuring that the law creates an institutional framework capable of effective implementation within the existing health system.
The proposed Bill aims to establish a provincial framework for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support, while safeguarding the privacy and rights of people living with or affected by HIV. Senior Program Officer at Blue Veins Yumna Aftab presented key provisions, including informed consent, confidentiality, non-discrimination, access to essential HIV services, continuity of treatment, surveillance and accountability.
Blue Veins Program Manager Qamar Naseem presented recommendations received from the Provincial HIV/AIDS Control Programme and committee members, including Dr Shahid Yunas, Shazia Atta, Rehana Ismail and Shaiza Themas. Two response matrices were prepared to link recommendations with relevant provisions of the Bill and explain revisions and their rationale.
The committee reviewed institutional arrangements, informed consent, confidentiality, treatment access, stigma, discrimination, surveillance and implementation mechanisms.
Director of the Provincial HIV/AIDS Control Programme Dr Tariq Hayat emphasized that HIV prevention and treatment should be integrated into the broader public health system to ensure sustainability and continuity of essential services.
The committee recommended integrating the HIV Prevention and Control Programme within the Directorate General Health Services, rather than maintaining it as a separate structure. The earlier technical review had already removed the proposal for a separate HIV/AIDS Wing.
MPAs Shaiza Themas and Rehana Ismail said people living with HIV should have equal access to healthcare, education, employment and public services without stigma or discrimination.
The committee also recommended cross-checking the Bill with the KP Public Health Act, KP Health Care Commission Act and other relevant laws and policies to prevent legal overlap.
It was agreed that the Bill would undergo another round of technical revision before being sent for formal legal vetting.
