ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has once again pledged to wipe out polio from the country, declaring it a top national priority during a high-level meeting with the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in Geneva.
The Pakistani delegation, led by Minister of State Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, highlighted the government’s full commitment and coordination across provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK to eradicate the virus.
While the country has seen positive progress in key cities like Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar—with no reported cases in 2025 so far—environmental samples still show the virus’s presence in some regions, especially southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Ayesha Raza Farooq, assured the IMB that Pakistan is focusing on targeted campaigns, improved surveillance, and community trust-building to reach every child. She stressed the importance of working with law enforcement and local leaders to counter vaccine refusal in sensitive areas.
With support from global partners including the Gates Foundation, WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International, Pakistan is aiming to eliminate polio completely through integrated health efforts and routine immunisation.
The delegation reaffirmed the country’s determination to move forward with stronger strategies, improved campaign quality, and stronger cross-border coordination with Afghanistan.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
