Major urban centres like Lahore and Faisalabad are facing fears of a surge in HIV/AIDS cases along with neglected regions such as Taunsa.
A recent discussion in the Punjab Assembly highlighted an alarming situation in Taunsa where reported cases have triggered concern among lawmakers. 
Members of the assembly questioned health authorities’ efforts to contain the spread, especially in underserved regions where healthcare monitoring remains weak.
According to health department data, Punjab accounts for the largest proportion of HIV cases in the country.
However, experts caution that the documented numbers may represent a part of the actual burden as limited testing coupled with social stigma continues to mask the scale of infections, allowing transmission to persist largely undetected.
The experts term unsafe medical practices a major factor behind the surge. The reuse of syringes, poor sterilisation in small clinics and unregulated blood transfusion have emerged as key causes of infections. 
Health professionals warn that the pattern of transmission is shifting from traditionally high-risk groups to the general population, including an increasing number of children.
The city’s dense population, industrial workforce and high rate of internal migration have created conditions conducive to the spread of the virus. Analysts fear that without immediate containment strategies, the situation could escalate and spill into surrounding regions. Punjab AIDS Control Programme Director Dr Naveed Akhtar maintained that the province is better equipped with 46 specialised clinics, including six in Lahore, providing free testing and lifelong treatment to patients. 
He emphasised that awareness campaigns are organised about prevention and early diagnosis.