Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan through sustained political resolve and close collaboration with international partners.
A delegation of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) called on the DPM/FM. The delegation included Mike McGovern, POB Chair, Rotary International; Dr. Chris Elias, President, Global Development, Gates Foundation; Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director, WHO EMRO; Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi; Sanjay Wijeskera, Regional Director, UNICEF Asia; Dr. Ziad Memish, Senior Advisor, KS Relief; and Dr. Omotayo Bola, Team Lead, GID, CDC.
High-Level Meeting on Polio Eradication
The Pakistani side was represented by Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of NCRC, who also leads the Pakistan Polio Program, Special Secretary (UN), and other senior officials from relevant ministries, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.
The DPM/FM appreciated their steadfast support for Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. The delegation praised Pakistan’s strong and vibrant diplomacy in achieving regional peace and Pakistan’s proactive role in global humanitarian issues.
Global Support for Polio Efforts
The Polio Oversight Board delegation commended Pakistan's progress and reiterated continued support for the country's polio eradication campaign. Pakistan remains one of the two countries where polio is still endemic, alongside Afghanistan, but has made significant strides in reducing cases through mass vaccination drives.
