Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, on the occasion of World Polio Day, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the poliovirus from Pakistan. Speaking at a ceremony held in Islamabad, the Prime Minister expressed a resolute determination to create a “polio-free” Pakistan. He also emphasized the importance of countering those who spread misinformation against polio vaccination, vowing to persevere in this endeavor.
In his address, PM Kakar assured the audience that the nation would achieve this critical goal, describing it as an ongoing journey with no room for retreat. He characterized those opposing polio vaccination as aligning with the “forces of darkness” and stressed the pivotal role of religious leaders and influential figures in combating anti-vaccination sentiments.
Reflecting on the progress made so far, the Prime Minister acknowledged the continued significance of polio eradication efforts. He underlined the responsibility of Pakistan in the global context, stating that the world’s hopes for poliovirus eradication relied on the country’s shoulders. He called for unwavering efforts to reach every child with the vaccine before the virus could change their lives and expressed hope that Pakistan would be polio-free within the next year.
PM Kakar also paid tribute to the dedicated polio workers and security personnel who, despite challenging environments, social barriers, and threats to their safety, were making heroic contributions to the cause.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistan representative, Palitha Mahipala, shared his optimism that Pakistan would soon overcome this crippling disease, highlighting a significant decline in the number of paralysis cases.
However, it’s worth noting that poliovirus remains a concern, as it was detected in environmental samples from various sites across the country, including Karachi, Lahore, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These findings underscore the ongoing need for vigilant efforts in the fight against polio.
