Islamabad records 618 new HIV cases

Web Desk: The spread of HIV in the federal capital, Islamabad, is continuing at an alarming pace.

According to an official report, 498 HIV cases were recorded in Islamabad in 2025. From January 2025 to March 2026, a total of 618 new HIV cases were reported in the city.

Government data indicates that, on average, more than 41 individuals per month contracted HIV in Islamabad. A clear majority of those affected are young men, with adult males accounting for 64% of the cases.

Officials report that among the 618 cases, 397 are men, 106 are women, 93 are transgender individuals, and 22 are children.

The report further states that 120 new cases were recorded in the first quarter of 2026. The highest number of cases was reported in July 2025 (63 cases), while the lowest numbers were recorded in June and December, with 31 cases each.

Experts attribute the rapid spread of HIV largely to unsafe sexual practices among young men, particularly under the influence of drugs. The use of “ice” (crystal methamphetamine) has been identified as a major factor contributing to high-risk behavior and the transmission of HIV. It is estimated that there are approximately 350,000 people living with HIV in Pakistan.