The Lahore High Court has demanded a formal response from the provincial and federal health authorities regarding the recent spike in monkeypox cases across the country.
Justice Shakil Ahmad issued the order following a petition that argues the state has failed to implement necessary preventive measures at airports and hospitals. The petitioner, Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, contends that despite global health warnings, screening protocols at international terminals remain porous.
He argues that the government’s lack of urgency mirrors past administrative failures, leaving the general public vulnerable to a potential outbreak. Health officials have confirmed a handful of cases in recent weeks, primarily involving travelers returning from the Middle East.
While the National Institute of Health insists the situation is under control, the court is looking for evidence of actual surveillance. Justice Ahmad has specifically asked the government to detail what equipment is currently functional at major airports and how many isolation wards have been fully equipped to handle a surge.
The court’s intervention comes as public anxiety grows over the lack of accessible information. Pharmacies report a sudden run on basic antiviral supplies and masks, yet official guidelines on how to report symptoms remain buried in bureaucratic portals that most citizens cannot access. The provincial health secretary has been given until the next hearing to submit a comprehensive report.
The court’s order serves as a blunt reminder that the judiciary is no longer satisfied with vague assurances of “preparedness.” If the health department fails to provide a concrete roadmap for containment, the court may appoint a judicial commission to oversee airport screenings directly.
For now, the government has been ordered to ensure that all points of entry are fully staffed with trained medical personnel by the end of the week.
