ISLAMABAD: The spread of HIV in Islamabad is accelerating, according to official data, triggering growing concern among public health experts.
A government report revealed that 498 HIV cases were recorded in 2025, while a total of 618 new cases were reported between January 2025 and March 2026 in the federal capital.
Statistics indicate that more than 41 individuals, on average, contracted HIV each month in Islamabad. A significant majority of those affected are young men, with adult males accounting for 64 percent of all reported cases.
Authorities stated that among the 618 cases, 397 were men, 106 women, 93 transgender individuals, and 22 children.
The report further highlighted that 120 new cases emerged in the first quarter of 2026 alone. The highest monthly spike was recorded in July 2025 with 63 cases, while the lowest numbers 31 cases each were reported in June and December.
Health experts attribute the surge largely to unsafe sexual practices, particularly among young men under the influence of наркотics.
The use of crystal meth, commonly known as “ice,” has been identified as a major contributing factor, as it often leads to high-risk behavior and unprotected intercourse.
Nationwide, the estimated number of people living with HIV in Pakistan stands at approximately 350,000, underscoring the scale of the public health challenge.