Pakistan: HIV cases reach 250,000, 80pc patients deprived of treatment

Lahore: The number of HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan has risen to dangerous levels. According to sources, 210,000 to 250,000 people in the country are currently infected with HIV, and there are fears the figure could reach 350,000.

What’s concerning is that only 76,000 patients are officially registered. This means over 70% of patients remain outside the healthcare system. Sources say only 16 to 21% of AIDS patients are receiving regular treatment.

Around 48,000 new cases were reported in 2024 and the same pace is expected to continue in 2026. At present, 700 to 900 new AIDS patients are being registered every month.

From January to March 2026 alone, over 97,000 people were screened in Punjab. Officials say the rise in cases in April 2026 is not due to an outbreak but the result of increased screening. Mandatory HIV testing before surgery has also led to more cases being detected.

Data shows 50% of the country’s HIV patients are in Punjab. The province has the highest number of treatment centers — 48 are active — and over 35,000 registered adult patients.

The situation in Taunsa and surrounding areas is extremely alarming, where 331 children have been infected with HIV.

Sindh is being described as the worst-affected province in terms of children. From January to March 2026, 894 new cases were reported in Sindh, including 329 children.

In a positive development, 2,000 patients in Karachi have been re-enrolled into the treatment system.

An increase in HIV cases is also being seen in Balochistan. According to sources, the estimated number of patients in the province is between 7,000 and 10,000.

Sources say the biggest cause of HIV positivity is people who inject drugs. Additionally, 2 to 3% of new cases are being reported due to unsafe blood transfusions.

Officials say a target is likely to be set for 100% blood screening across the country. Punjab currently has the largest network of treatment centers, while Sindh requires special attention regarding the situation of children.

According to health experts, HIV is now a treatable disease. With timely diagnosis and regular use of ART medicines, patients can live normal lives and the risk of transmitting the virus to others becomes almost negligible.