Abstract

PIP: Understanding the social context of sexual relations is important in understanding the AIDS epidemic. To date, however, no systematic studies on sexual behavior have been conducted in Pakistan. HIV has so far spread in the country through heterosexual contact and blood transfusions. Although the magnitude of the problem is difficult to determine, health authorities estimate that 10,000-12,000 people have been infected with HIV. This paper posits that rapid urbanization, together with the sex behavior of single migrant workers, deported HIV-infected expatriates, the exploitation of women, and the easy availability of narcotic drugs, especially in Karachi, are some important factors which may be responsible for the spread of HIV in Pakistan. Pakistan's population profile, patterns of HIV transmission, and government initiatives are discussed. The social context of sexual relations is also discussed in sections on laws relating to sexuality, the effects of urbanization, and marriage and sexual relations.