Background The development of oral and oropharyngeal cancers is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, debate exists about the prevalence of high‐risk oral HPV (HR‐HPV) and its associated risk factors. This study evaluated the distribution of genotypes and associated risk factors of oral HR‐HPV infection in the normal oral mucosa of the Pakistani female population with general gynecological problems. Methods A total of 200 females from a regional gynecological hospital in Pakistan were included in this cross‐sectional study. A self‐administered questionnaire was carried out, followed by the study participants' oral and dental examinations. Whole saliva was collected by a drooling method. The viral DNA extraction and oral HR‐HPV genotyping were detected via real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results Among the 200 females (mean age, 37.76 years), 22 females (11%) were positive for oral HR‐HPV DNA. Single oral HR‐HPV infection was seen in 8%, whereas co‐infection was observed in 3% with HPV16 and HPV18 most common genotypes. Comparison of the risk factors like oral sex history odds ratio (OR 8.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85–28.16; p < 0.005), and open‐mouth kissing (OR, 5.17; 95% CI 1.48–27.41; p = 0.005) with oral HR‐HPV infection was found to be significantly associated. Conclusion In Pakistan, oral HR‐HPV‐positive infection is not uncommon; HPV16 and HPV18 are the most frequent genotypes. Furthermore, this study also provides data that oral HR‐HPV positive infection was significantly associated with sexual behaviors. Therefore, preventive health efforts, like health education and vaccination, should be practiced.

AIM: The present study was designed to compile and screen data regarding HPV-related reported diseases to evaluate the status of HPV infection in Pakistan. METHODS: The literature on the prevalence of HPV in Pakistan was searched in Google Scholar and other search engines using various keywords. RESULTS: A total of 39 studies published from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed. About 7341 participants have been screened for HPV in Pakistan for the past 11 years, and according to this meta-analysis, the reported HPV prevalence was 23.1%. The highest HPV prevalence rate was observed among cervical cancer cases (80.4%) followed by normal cervical region (61.8%) and oral cancer (40.4%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of HPV in Pakistan reflects the raised burden of HPV-associated diseases. The health-care system needs to be more organized in terms of awareness and screening programs, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease to reduce the burden of HPV in Pakistan.