HIV/AIDS Patients in Pakistan Exceed 200,000; Religious Scholars and Media Urged to Play Their Role

**Quetta:** Speakers at a seminar revealed that the number of HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan has exceeded **210,000**, while only **49,584 patients are registered**, highlighting serious gaps in awareness, prevention, and treatment coverage. They stressed that **religious scholars, journalists, and representatives of all schools of thought** must play an active role in curbing the spread of the disease.

The seminar titled **“Role of Religious Leaders and Media in the Prevention of HIV/AIDS”** was held at the **Quetta Press Club** under the auspices of the **Balochistan AIDS Control Program (BACP)** in collaboration with **UNICEF**.

Addressing the seminar, **Provincial Coordinator Balochistan AIDS Control Program Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Baloch**, Training and NGO Coordinator **Muhammad Ashfaq**, religious scholar **Dr. Ata-ur-Rehman**, **Dr. K.D. Usmani**, **Maulana Ahsan-ul-Haq**, **Qari Abdul Hafeez**, **Zakir Usmani**, **Ehsanullah**, and others said that HIV/AIDS is a **highly dangerous and life-threatening disease** that continues to claim millions of lives worldwide.

They stated that AIDS has no complete cure once contracted, making **prevention and awareness** the most effective tools to combat its spread. The disease first emerged globally in the **1980s** and rapidly turned into a pandemic, with African countries being the most affected initially, followed by both developing and developed nations.

According to global statistics shared at the seminar, around **38 million people worldwide** were living with HIV as of 2021, with **1.5 million new infections annually**. More than **34 million people** have died from AIDS-related illnesses so far, with a large proportion of victims belonging to the **15–24 age group**. It was noted that nearly **40 percent of HIV-infected individuals are youth**, which the speakers termed a matter of grave concern.

Participants further revealed that HIV/AIDS was first reported in Pakistan in **1987**, and between **2010 and 2021**, the number of infected individuals increased by **84 percent**. According to **UNAIDS 2022 data**, although an estimated **210,000 people** are living with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan, only about **29,626 patients are receiving antiretroviral treatment**, representing just **13 percent coverage**, far below the **global target of 95 percent**.

The speakers emphasized that religious scholars, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and media professionals must work collectively to raise awareness and remove social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. They particularly highlighted the influential role of **religious leaders**, noting that scholars hold a respected position in society and can effectively educate the public about prevention, compassion, and responsible behavior.

The seminar concluded with a call for **coordinated national efforts**, increased registration of patients, expanded access to treatment, and widespread awareness campaigns to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.