ISLAMABAD, Jul 3 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicate polio from Pakistan, vowing that despite ongoing challenges, a polio-free nation will soon be a reality with the support of provincial, federal, and international partners.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Anti-Polio Task Force in Islamabad, the prime minister stressed the importance of accelerating all national efforts to ensure that every child across Pakistan is protected from this debilitating disease.
He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to completely eliminate the poliovirus and called for greater seriousness and dedication at every level of implementation.
“We are committed to protect every child in Pakistan from this crippling disease and achieve a polio-free Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz stated. “The goal is within reach, and we will achieve it through relentless hard work, targeted strategies, and unwavering national unity.”
The premier acknowledged that while the journey to eradicate polio has not been without obstacles, significant progress has been made, thanks to the tireless efforts of frontline health workers, provincial governments, and support from the global community.
He paid special tribute to the frontline workers for their dedication and emphasized that their safety would remain a top government priority.
“From provincial governments to local communities and law enforcement agencies, all stakeholders must stand together and intensify their efforts,” he emphasized. “Our children’s future depends on it.”
During the meeting, detailed briefings highlighted specific challenges in regions such as Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the virus continues to linger.
PM Shehbaz was informed that localized polio campaigns tailored to the unique needs and conditions of each district were being launched to eliminate the virus, both among children and in environmental samples.
He expressed gratitude to the international partners who have stood by Pakistan in this critical health mission, extending special thanks to Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, for his consistent and generous support.
The prime minister also lauded the pivotal role of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other international stakeholders.
“I appreciate the commendable role of the Gates Foundation and all our partners. Your support has been crucial in advancing our efforts,” PM Shehbaz said.
Chair of the Anti-Polio Oversight Board and President of the Global Development Program at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, attended the meeting along with other key international representatives.
These included Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO); Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director of UNICEF; Dr. Ziad Memish, Representative of KS Relief Saudi Arabia; Mike McGovern from Rotary International; and Aziz Memon, Trustee of Rotary International.
Pakistan’s federal and provincial leadership also participated in the meeting, including Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for National Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, chief secretaries of all four provinces, as well as representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Islamabad Capital Territory.
The prime minister instructed all concerned departments and stakeholders to ensure that the goals set for vaccination coverage, awareness campaigns, and environmental surveillance are achieved in a timely manner.
He emphasized the importance of building community trust, countering misinformation, and ensuring full access to remote and underserved areas.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic. However, the country has significantly reduced its polio caseload in recent years and is intensifying its final push to wipe out the virus.
The government’s comprehensive national plan includes enhanced vaccination drives, environmental monitoring, real-time data collection, and community engagement strategies.
The Islamabad meeting reaffirmed that the government’s vision of a polio-free Pakistan is not just a health goal, but a matter of national pride and a legacy for future generations.
As the meeting concluded, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all officials to continue working with urgency and resolve.
“This is our moral and national duty. No child should ever suffer from a disease that the world knows how to prevent. We owe it to every Pakistani child to succeed.”
