Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eliminating polio, stressing that protecting children from the disease remains one of the government’s highest national priorities. He said every possible measure is being taken to safeguard future generations and called for stronger cooperation among all stakeholders to achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
The prime minister made these remarks while meeting a delegation of the Polio Oversight Board at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The delegation included Rotary’s Polio Oversight Board Chair Mike McGovern, Gates Foundation President of Global Development Chris Elias, WHO EMRO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy, and representatives from UNICEF, Gavi and other international partners.
Read more : PM Shehbaz launches drive for overseas opportunities –
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif thanked global partners for their continued support in Pakistan’s fight against polio and acknowledged their valuable contributions to vaccination campaigns. He also directed authorities to intensify efforts in high-risk districts, particularly in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and implement more effective strategies to overcome remaining challenges.
The prime minister also praised Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for Health, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, the National Polio Coordinator and the entire government team for their dedicated work in advancing the country’s eradication programme.
Read more : PM orders embassies to expedite job hunt for country’s workforce
Meanwhile, members of the visiting delegation appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and recognised the progress made under the government’s leadership toward eliminating the disease. They expressed confidence that continued collaboration between Pakistan and its international partners would further strengthen vaccination campaigns and move the country closer to achieving a polio-free future.