The federal Health Ministry’s joint administrative unit for AIDS, TB and Malaria has responded to recent media reports suggesting a dangerous surge in HIV cases in the Islamabad Capital Territory, clarifying that the figures cited represent the total number of new patients registered at Islamabad health centres over a 15‑month period and do not indicate a sudden outbreak. The ministry emphasized that the Islamabad HIV numbers reflect cumulative registrations and should not be read as evidence of an epidemic.
Monthly data from Islamabad health facilities show stable registrations throughout the period, with counts ranging from 31 to 63 per month and a total of 618 new patient registrations across the 15 months. The monthly variation is within normal limits and the average remained around 41 new registrations per month, underlining that there was no abrupt spike in Islamabad HIV cases.
Major public hospitals such as Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic Hospital, which serve patients from across the country, account for the reported total. Of the 618 patients registered at these centres, only 210 were residents of Islamabad; the remainder came from other districts and cities. Treating all registered patients as Islamabad cases is therefore misleading.
The ministry noted that increased registrations are largely driven by improved awareness, expanded testing and better access to treatment, with more people presenting to hospitals for timely diagnosis and care. These trends are consistent with strengthened health services rather than with uncontrolled transmission.
To address concerns and prevent similar incidents, the federal Health Ministry is working closely with the Punjab AIDS Control Program. A formal letter has been sent to the Government of Punjab requesting a high‑level, transparent investigation, strict enforcement of infection prevention protocols, comprehensive audits of hospitals across the province, and disciplinary action against those found negligent. The ministry has also called for action against unlicensed practitioners and measures to prevent unsafe blood transfusion.
The Federal Secretary of Health will convene an emergency meeting of all provincial health care commissions to review and strengthen hospital safety standards. Technical support is being provided, including guidance on infection control, improvements to surveillance systems, and enhanced treatment services for affected children. International partners including WHO and UNICEF are supporting a coordinated response and prevention strategy.
As part of immediate measures, authorities will enforce a zero tolerance policy on unsafe injections and drips, expand training programmes for medical, nursing and paramedical staff, ensure a steady supply of disposable syringes and medical consumables, and accelerate the establishment of regional blood centres to guarantee safe blood supply for nearby districts. Public awareness campaigns will discourage unnecessary injections and encourage timely testing and treatment.
The ministry reiterated that public health and protection remain the highest priorities and, based on the available data, there is no evidence of a sudden spread of HIV in the federal capital. Continued surveillance, stricter infection control and accountability are being pursued to protect patients and restore public confidence.
