SWABI, Dec 1: Speakers at a function held in connection with the World AIDS Day stressed that education was the only means through which HIV/AIDS menace could be prevented in the country.

The programme was organized by the Abaseen Union of Journalists here on Monday.

Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal MNA Mohammad Usman suggested that the government should arrange for the medical check-up of overseas Pakistanis on their arrival in the country. “This safety mechanism will effectively contain the spread of the deadly disease,” he added.

“This is very vital for controlling AIDS and shielding our people from the disease,” he said.

A Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) leader, Najeem Khan, said: “Creating awareness among the people is the only key to prevent AIDS.” Merely organizing workshops, seminars, conferences, walks and symposiums could not be termed remedial measures, he said, stressing that practical steps should be taken and the budget for AIDS control programme increased to check its spread.

Maulana Khalil Ahmad, MNA, said the main cause of AIDS in Islamic societies was that the Muslims had deviated from the teachings of Islam. “Islam has forbidden indulgence in illicit relations and the Muslims should strictly adhere to the teachings of Islam,” he said, adding that the Ulema should come forward to play their positive role in creating awareness among the people.