HIV Spreading Beyond High-Risk Groups in Pakistan

HIV spreading beyond high-risk groups in Pakistan

Health experts in Pakistan have warned that HIV infection is no longer confined to high-risk groups. They say the virus is now spreading into the general population, which is a major public health concern. Experts estimate that around 370,000 people in Pakistan are currently living with HIV. They also highlight a worrying fact that nearly 79 percent of infected individuals do not know they are carrying the virus. This lack of awareness is increa…

‘HIV spreading beyond high-risk groups into general population’

KARACHI: Health experts have warned that HIV is no longer confined to traditionally high-risk groups in Pakistan and is increasingly spreading within the general population, signalling a deepening public health challenge. Medical professionals say the country is facing a widening gap between reported and actual infections. While official figures shared by the federal health minister in the National Assembly in March 2026 put the number of report…