PM vows to take steps to curb wild polio virus transmission

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed government's full commitment to take practical measures to curb wild polio virus transmission in Pakistan.

Chairing National Task Force meeting for Polio Eradication in Islamabad on Friday, he said the current climatic conditions pose great challenge to vaccination campaigns but it is remarkable to see how polio teams have carried on despite floods in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and torrential rains in Karachi.

Shehbaz Sharif said this is a testing time with recent cases and security incidents but this is a challenge that we can and will overcome. Countries with far more complex challenges have eradicated polio and there is no reason why Pakistan cannot curb transmission. He said all provincial governments must ensure they have the best people in the most challenging areas.

He appreciated the support of law enforcement agencies especially Pakistan Army and Police for their support to polio teams across Pakistan. He said many officers and polio workers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

The Prime Minister said Polio free Pakistan is a national goal. He urged the whole nation to cooperate with polio teams for the complete eradication of polio from the country.

Shehbaz Sharif said the whole nation pays homage to soldiers, police constables and polio workers martyred in the line of duty.