A worrying increase has been observed in the spread of HIV in the federal capital Islamabad, where a total of 618 new cases have been reported from January 2025 to March 2026.
According to official data, on average more than 41 individuals are infected with this deadly virus every month in the city.
The report shows a clear majority of young men among the affected individuals, with 64 percent of cases consisting of adult males. Out of the total 618 cases, 397 are men, 106 women, 93 transgender persons and 22 children.
According to the data, 498 cases were reported in Islamabad during 2025, while 120 new cases have been reported in the first quarter of 2026.
On a monthly basis, July 2025 was the most affected month with 63 cases reported, while June and December recorded the lowest with 31 cases each.
Experts say that among young men, drug use, especially ice crystal meth, and unsafe relations during its use are major reasons behind the rapid spread of HIV.
On the other hand, experts say that the number of HIV patients across Pakistan has reached approximately 350,000, which is an increasing public health crisis.
