PM directs coordinated polio eradication strategy

November 06, 2026 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy, in consultation with all four provinces, within a week to eradicate polio from the country.

He said achieving a polio-free Pakistan is a major challenge but the nation’s determination is stronger, and called for intensified efforts and an improved strategy after the recent cases.

He also directed the authorities to further improve routine immunisation coverage, particularly in polio-affected and high-risk areas.

A new case reported from Khyber district on Thursday has taken the national tally to nine this year, said a press release issued.

He was chairing a review meeting on polio eradication in Islamabad.

The prime minister directed the Federal Minister for National Health Services, the Minister of State, the Federal Secretary for National Health Services and members of the Polio Eradication Team to immediately visit all four provinces and meet the respective chief ministers and chief secretaries.

He stressed close consultation with the provinces and a joint strategy involving all stakeholders.

The meeting was told that seven of the nine cases have come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including three each from Khyber and Bannu districts and one from North Waziristan, while two were reported from Sindh, one each from Karachi East and Sujawal.

All three Khyber cases are linked to poliovirus originating from Afghanistan, and cross-border movement from Afghanistan is currently one of the major factors behind the spread of the disease in Pakistan.

The meeting was also briefed that Punjab has reported no new case since February 2025, while Balochistan has reported none in 2025 and 2026. Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are already polio-free, and Sindh has seen a decline in poliovirus detection in environmental samples this year.

All possible measures are being taken to improve the security of polio teams and access to the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister appreciated the dedicated services of frontline polio workers and law enforcement agencies in conducting anti-polio campaigns and commended the significant improvement in access in security-sensitive and challenging areas.

He said ensuring uninterrupted access for frontline workers and their security during vaccination campaigns remains the government’s top priority.

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