By A. Ahmed | Updated: October 16, 2025 | Dubai

Pakistan is witnessing a sharp and alarming rise in HIV infections, with over 10,000 new cases reported in just the first nine months of 2025 — the highest increase ever recorded in a single year, according to health authorities.

Officials have cautioned that the total number of infections could exceed 14,000 by the end of the year, surpassing last year’s figure of 13,001. This marks 2025 as the fastest-growing year for HIV transmission in the country’s history.

Lack of Screening and Unsafe Practices Fueling Spread

Health experts attribute the surge to limited screening programs, poor public awareness, and unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes. Many new infections are being identified accidentally through routine health checks, such as those required for surgeries, employment, or visa applications.

“Most individuals are diagnosed with HIV only when they undergo mandatory medical tests,” a federal health ministry official told local media. The official emphasized that Pakistan still lacks comprehensive laws mandating HIV screening among high-risk groups, including sex workers, deported migrants, and intravenous drug users, leaving many undiagnosed and unintentionally transmitting the virus.

UNAIDS and WHO Predict 40,000 New Infections by Year-End

Joint projections from UNAIDS, WHO, and UNICEF estimate that up to 40,000 people in Pakistan could become infected by the end of 2025. Experts fear that a majority of these individuals will remain undiagnosed due to insufficient testing facilities and gaps in the national HIV surveillance network.

Without urgent action, health officials warn the country could face a silent epidemic with widespread community transmission.

Outbreaks Spreading Beyond High-Risk Groups

Recent outbreaks in Mirpurkhas and Taunsa have revealed a disturbing trend — the virus is no longer confined to traditional high-risk populations. In several cases, children and mothers were infected due to unsafe medical procedures, including the reuse of contaminated syringes and inadequate infection control.

These incidents highlight the growing risk of household-level transmission and underscore the urgent need for strict health regulation, public awareness campaigns, and expanded HIV testing programs.

Experts Call for Immediate National Response

Public health specialists are urging Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments to implement mandatory HIV screening, improve access to antiretroviral treatment, and launch nationwide education campaigns to combat stigma and misinformation.

With over 1 million new HIV cases reported globally every year, experts warn that without decisive intervention, Pakistan could face a major public health emergency in the coming years.