Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has rejected reports of an HIV outbreak in Taunsa and Islamabad, stating that no new outbreak has been recorded in 2026. The clarification comes amid concerns raised over reported cases and media coverage of past infections in the region.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said Pakistan currently has 84,000 registered HIV cases. He added that only 21,000 patients are receiving treatment, while a large number of patients remain unaccounted for in the system.
Read more: HIV cases rise sharply in Islamabad
Moreover, Kamal said Islamabad has 618 registered HIV cases, including both local and outside patients. He stressed that the situation does not indicate a sudden rise or outbreak in recent years. He also said earlier cases in Taunsa were linked to 2024 developments.
Additionally, the minister provided data showing increased testing and detection over recent years. He said screening has expanded nationwide, with more centres and higher numbers of tests conducted. He emphasized that increased testing explains higher detection figures rather than a new outbreak.
Read more: Sindh leads in child HIV cases, over 2,000 diagnosed
Finally, Kamal urged patients not to hide their condition and said treatment is available free of cost across the country. He highlighted that HIV is manageable with lifelong medication and warned against misinformation. Health authorities continue to expand treatment centres and awareness programs nationwide.