PM praises Gates for immense contribution towards poverty alleviation

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday praised Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates for his immense contribution towards polio eradication and poverty alleviation initiatives.

Gates, who is also the co-chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is on his first-ever visit to the country.

"It was a pleasure to welcome Bill Gates who came to Pakistan on my invitation," the premier wrote on his official Twitter handle.

The premier said that apart from his many achievements, the Microsoft co-founder is admired globally for his philanthropy. "On behalf of our nation I thank him for his immense contribution towards polio eradication & poverty alleviation initiatives," he added.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan also took to his official Twitter handle to welcome Gates to Pakistan.

The SAPM stated that Gates’ also meet President Arif Alvi and reviewed the Ehsaas programme

Read more: Bill Gates hails Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio, Covid-19

During his visit to the country’s nerve centre for Covid-19 response – the NCOC – Gates met the body’s head Asad Umar and Dr Sultan.

Gates, along with his delegation, attended the NCOC’s morning session and were apprised about the forum’s role, methodology, achievements since the start of the pandemic and the current situation in the country, including various NPIs enforced by the NCOC to control the virus’ spread.

“A comprehensive review of Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19 was presented to visiting delegation. The visiting delegation was also briefed on genome sequencing (prevalence of various variants in the country),” said a statement.

President confers Hilal-e-Pakistan award on Bill Gates

President Arif Alvi conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan on Gates in recognition of his meritorious services to the people of Pakistan, particularly for the eradication of polio.

The award was given at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, attended by Begum Samina Alvi, federal ministers and senior officials.

Also read: PM asks Bill Gates to consider humanitarian assistance for Afghans

Earlier in January, Gates and the premier discussed matters of shared concern including polio eradication in Pakistan and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The premier had expressed appreciation for the work of the Gates Foundation in fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world.

PM Imran had reaffirmed that eradication of polio from Pakistan remains a key priority of the government and efforts are underway to intensify the anti-polio campaign across the country.