Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that night parties and club culture in major cities are emerging as significant factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health, Kamal said contaminated syringes are no longer the only source of HIV transmission, warning that new risk factors are also driving the rise in infections.
He claimed that drugs, including ice (crystal methamphetamine), are being used at night parties, and that unprotected sexual activity is also contributing to the spread of the virus.
He added that the Ministry of Health alone cannot stop such gatherings and that all relevant institutions must work together to address the issue.
The federal minister said that 35 to 40 new HIV cases are being reported in Islamabad every day, describing the situation as deeply concerning. He added that many of those infected are young men and women, and that a large number of young people remain unaware of the risks associated with HIV.
Kamal said that the Prime Minister recently chaired a meeting on the issue, during which all relevant institutions were called in, and a detailed report on the country’s HIV situation was presented.
Referring to the case of Valika Hospital in Karachi, he said the incident occurred about a year and a half ago, adding that HIV was transmitted there through the use of contaminated syringes.
