PM wants anti-polio efforts expedited

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing concern over Pakistan being one of the two countries in the world facing the challenge of polio, on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to utilise all resources to rid the country of the crippling disease.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a polio eradication team, said every child should be administered the polio vaccine in the areas facing security challenges. He said Pakistan had made significant headway in polio eradication due to the dedication of the front line workers, determination of the government and cooperation by partners.

A briefing to the prime minister on polio eradication apprised him of the anti-polio campaign's two, four and six-month plans.

He was told that nine polio cases had been reported in 2024 and that countrywide polio vaccination drives would be launched in September, October and December of this year.

The prime minister was informed that data on the children missed in polio vaccination campaigns had been digitised to ensure their vaccination through digital tracking.

Coordinator to Prime Minister on National Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed, PM's Focal Person on Polio Eradication Dr Ayesha Raza Farooq, National Health Secretary Dr Nadeem Mehboon and National Coordinator on Polio Eradication Muhammad Anwarul Haq attended the meeting.

Internet connectivity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the government was taking all-out measures to provide fast and uninterrupted internet connectivity to the people.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a three-member delegation of the Asia Internet Coalition headed by Managing Director Jeff Paine, said that the government was implementing a strategy to attract foreign investment in the information technology infrastructure.