ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate polio, describing it as one of the government’s top priorities.
He made the remarks during a meeting with a seven-member delegation of the Polio Oversight Board (POB), where he underscored the government’s determination to strengthen nationwide vaccination efforts and achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
“We are taking every possible step to protect the future of Pakistan’s children from the crippling disease of polio,” he said.
Prime Minister @CMShehbaz reaffirms commitment to make Pakistan polio-free@PakPMO #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/sY25OLK7lH pic.twitter.com/6SXCc6dm7k
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 7, 2026
Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s development partners for their continued support in the country’s fight against polio, acknowledging their vital role in advancing eradication efforts.
He said the government was taking every possible measure to safeguard the future of Pakistan’s children from the debilitating disease, reaffirming its commitment to achieving a polio-free nation.
The prime minister also directed the relevant authorities to implement a focused and result-oriented strategy in polio hotspots across southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen vaccination efforts and curb transmission.
The POB delegation commended the government’s sustained efforts and effective measures aimed at eliminating polio from Pakistan.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where poliovirus is still endemic, alongside Afghanistan.
Health experts say that sustained campaigns, strengthened surveillance, and community awareness are crucial to achieving the long-sought goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine for every child under five during each campaign, alongside timely completion of all routine immunizations.
Pakistan regularly conducts nationwide anti-polio campaigns during which millions of children are vaccinated.
