Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has warned of a concerning trend in new HIV infections. He told the Senate Standing Committee on Health that several recent cases in Islamabad were linked to drug use and high-risk sexual behaviour at night parties. Consequently, officials have called for stronger prevention efforts.
Islamabad Records Rising HIV Cases
Speaking to reporters after briefing lawmakers, Kamal said Islamabad is reporting more than 30 new HIV cases each month. According to officials, many affected individuals were young men and women connected to night gatherings where drug use was reported.
Unlike previous outbreaks linked to unsafe injections and reused syringes, these cases were primarily associated with sexual transmission. Earlier outbreaks had affected children in Ratodero and hospitals in Karachi.
Kamal described the behaviour at such gatherings as “unruly.” Furthermore, he urged parents to remain aware of their children’s activities. He said the issue requires both public health measures and greater family involvement.
Officials Call for Prevention and Awareness
Pakistan continues to face one of the region’s fastest-growing HIV epidemics. Current estimates suggest about 369,000 people are living with HIV nationwide. However, only around 84,000 are registered in treatment programmes.
Health officials believe many infections remain undiagnosed or untreated. Therefore, controlling the spread remains a significant challenge.
The minister said traditional causes of HIV transmission include unsafe medical injections, syringe reuse, mother-to-child transmission, and infections among key populations. However, recent findings from Islamabad indicate a developing trend involving nightlife and drug use in some urban areas.
Kamal added that expanded screening has increased the number of detected cases. He also stressed the need to strengthen awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, and access to treatment. Although party-related transmission is not the country’s leading cause of HIV, he said it deserves urgent attention alongside broader healthcare reforms.
