ISLAMABAD: Health professionals and experts believe that one of the leading factors that can result in social instability in Pakistan is lack of proper information for the youth on behavioural issues.

While addressing the participants at a workshop titled `Health and behavioural issues of youth`, organised by a non-government organisation, Ehad, on Saturday, health expert Huma Khawar said there was an ongoing debate about the inclusion of reproductive health in the curriculum.

`We can find arguments, both in favour and against the motion, which makes it difficult to foresee the inclusion of this topic in the syllabi. So, it is up to the media to inform youth about the behavioural issues,` she said.

Ms Khawar added that HIV/Aids was not a major issue in Pakistan, but the cases of the virus have been rapidly increasing in the country since the past decade.

`Initially this virus was only present in the migrants, especially those who worked in the Middle East. But, unfortunately, they could not be scanned at the airports before reaching Pakistan, she said.

`A number of people, who came from abroad, did not even know that they were affected by HIV. Most of these migrants married here, passing on the virus to their wives.

`Even, their children are suffering from the virus, the expert stated, stressing that media should raise awareness among the people.

Communications expert Wajih Akhtar said the deficiency of correct information on behavioural issues of youth, such as challenges of growing-up, negative influence of peer pressure, child sexual abuse, addiction, HIV/Aids and hepatitis, may lead to exploitation, abuse and ill-informed decisions, even untimely deaths.

`One of the major reasons for the lack of awareness and negative perceptions about these issues is the dearth of media coverage given to these issues,` he said, urging the journalists to help parents and caretakers guide their children better.