Pakistan Rejects Claims of HIV Surge in Islamabad, Attributes Rise to Increased Testing

Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services has dismissed reports claiming a surge in HIV/AIDS cases in Islamabad, stating that such assertions are inaccurate and lack factual basis.

In an official statement issued on Monday, the ministry clarified that there is no evidence indicating an epidemic situation in the capital. According to officials, the number of HIV cases reported each month remains within the normal and expected range.

The ministry emphasized that fluctuations in case numbers are routine and should not be misinterpreted as a public health crisis. It further noted that increased public awareness about HIV/AIDS has encouraged more individuals to come forward for screening.

Health authorities explained that expanded testing efforts naturally lead to the detection of more cases, which does not necessarily indicate a higher rate of transmission or an outbreak.

Data gathered from major healthcare institutions, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic Hospital Islamabad, and various AIDS centres, shows a total of 618 registered HIV patients. Of these, only 210 are residents of Islamabad, making it misleading to attribute all reported cases to the capital alone.

The statement also highlighted that a significant proportion of confirmed cases is typically found among high-risk groups, such as drug users and individuals involved in unsafe practices.

The ministry concluded by reiterating that an increase in registered cases should not be viewed as evidence of a growing spread of the disease, urging the public to rely on verified information and avoid unnecessary panic.