Only 210 HIV cases linked to Islamabad in last 15 months, CMU rejects misleading media reports

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Apr, 2026) The Common Management Unit (CMU) for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria under the Ministry of National Health Services has dismissed media reports claiming a dangerous rise in HIV cases in Islamabad, terming them misleading.

According to the statement issued on Monday, the Unit clarified that only 618 HIV patients registered at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic Hospital Islamabad during last fifteen months, out of which only 210 belonged to Islamabad, while the rest came from other cities.

"As these hospitals are among the country’s major public hospitals, providing healthcare services not only to residents of Islamabad but also to patients from other areas," it said.

CMU also emphasized that Monthly data from Islamabad shows that the number of patients registered each month has remained normal, with no unusual increase.

"Minor fluctuations in patient numbers are common. This is due to increased public awareness about the disease, improved testing and treatment facilities, and more people seeking medical care. These changes do not indicate any major hike in HIV," it added.

HIV prevalence has mostly been observed in specific groups, such as drug users and others, it highlighted.

Early diagnosis and provision of treatment are positive developments, it said.