LAHORE, August 30, 2025 — A major health crisis has gripped Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala Jail) after 148 prisoners tested HIV-positive, the highest number reported in any Punjab prison so far.
PACP report reveals there are 645 infected individuals in Punjab’s 43 prisons; some of them are already receiving anti-retroviral therapy.https://t.co/4Z25dRWF9a
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) August 30, 2025
Overcrowding and Rising Cases
- Adiala Jail is severely overcrowded, housing 4,337 inmates against a capacity of only 1,994.
- Former Prime Minister Imran Khan is also incarcerated in Adiala, but officials clarified that he remains in isolation and does not mix with other inmates.
- Punjab Aids Control Programme (PACP) reported a total of 645 HIV-positive prisoners across 43 jails in the province.
Breakdown of Cases in Punjab Prisons
- Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi: 148 cases (highest)
- Camp Jail, Lahore: 83 cases
- Central Jail, Faisalabad: 37 cases
- Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore: 27 cases
- Central Jail, Gujranwala: 27 cases
- Remaining 38 prisons: 323 cases combined
Medical Concerns
Doctors warned that HIV attacks the immune system and remains incurable, but Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) can control the virus and prevent complications. Experts stressed that every infected inmate must receive uninterrupted treatment.
One health specialist cautioned:
“If Adiala Jail, a high-profile prison, cannot contain HIV, conditions in other jails may be far worse.”
PACP Response
- PACP Project Director Dr. Summaira Ashraf has ordered all ART Centres to conduct fortnightly jail visits to ensure patients receive medicines without interruption.
- She instructed centres to identify gaps in treatment and report any deficiencies immediately.
Accountability Questions
Punjab Inspector General (Prisons) Mian Farooq Nazeer said the PACP has been managing health screening in jails for the last two years. He noted that the Prisons Department only provides doctors and facilities, while the responsibility for testing and medicine supply rests with PACP.
Urgent Call
The outbreak at Adiala has raised alarm over the failure to curb the spread of HIV in overcrowded prisons. Public health experts are urging immediate reforms and stronger medical oversight to prevent further escalation.
