40,000 people living with HIV/ AIDS in KP. Officials say the province records 15–20 new cases daily
JAVED KHAN
PESHAWAR
Director of the Provincial AIDS Control Program Dr. Tariq Hayat Taj has warned that unqualified practitioners roadside clinics and the reuse of contaminated syringes were significantly contributing to the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) on World AIDS Day, he said an estimated “40,000 people in KP are living with HIV/AIDS”, adding that 15 to 20 new cases were being registered every day, a rise he termed “alarming.”
Dr. Tariq said that although 9,800 patients were officially registered, the actual number was believed to be much higher due to the social stigma that prevents many individuals from seeking testing. “Because of society’s negative attitude, a large number of patients avoid screening,” he added.
He stressed that illegal clinics, street-level medical practice and repeated use of syringes are major drivers of the epidemic, urging the Health Regulatory Authority to take strict action against such practices. He described the situation as “a matter of grave concern for the entire society.”
While noting that AIDS is not yet curable, Dr. Tariq said effective treatment is available and free medicines are being provided by the provincial government. He identified drug users, transgenders and sex workers as the most vulnerable groups, warning that the infection is now gradually spreading to the general population.
During vaccination campaigns at Iqbal Plaza and other transgender hotspots in Peshawar, 197 transgender individuals tested positive and are now receiving treatment. He cautioned that HIV can also spread through contaminated instruments such as reused syringes, blades at barbershops and unsafe beauty parlor equipment.
According to program data, 60 percent of HIV/AIDS patients in KP are men, 30pc women and 10pc transgender persons and others.
UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Inamullah Khan urged the public to treat HIV/AIDS patients with dignity, stressing that they deserve respect, not discrimination.
Assistant Director Admin HIV/AIDS Program, Abbas Durrani, said many Pakistanis returning from Africa and Gulf countries also test positive for HIV, calling it “a worrying trend.” He advised overseas travelers to follow health precautions and avoid high-risk behavior.
Officials concluded by urging citizens to undergo HIV testing and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves and the wider community.
