PAKISTANI POPSTAR HEADS AIDS FIGHT

The United Nations has picked one of the most famous faces in Pakistani pop music to act as a spokesman in the fight against HIV and Aids.

Salman Ahmad and his group Junoon are household names in their home country, with a legion of teenage fans.

The move to appoint such a popular personality aims to bring mass attention to deadly disease across Pakistan.

The campaign was kicked off by a poster of Salman Ahmed called "I care...do you?"

The guitarist follows in the footsteps of other big names who have already pledged their support including singer Ricky Martin, actor Danny Glover and Brazilian footballer Ronaldo.

The campaign will target men, particularly the young, in the fight against Aids.

Special session

Junoon are expected to perform in New York around the time of the UN Special Session on Aids between 25 and 27 June.

In 1998, Junoon received an award from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their achievements towards Peace in South Asia.

The group has also played at various Music for Peace concerts around the world.

Junoon were once banned from playing in their home country after comments that they transcended Pakistan and Indian boundaries.

The UN reports Pakistan has much lower HIV infection rates than Sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 25 million people are believed to be infected.

But concern for Pakistan and the rest of South Asia is growing, however, due to the many risks and vulnerabilities present in the region's massive population.