No polio case reported in Pakistan since Feb 10, PM briefed

'Every child under five years of age must receive the vaccine during this drive,' PM Shehbaz said.

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Pakistan has not reported a single case of polio since 10 February 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed during a review meeting on Thursday.

Chairing the session on polio eradication efforts, the prime minister praised the work of health authorities, international partners, and frontline polio workers for their relentless commitment to eradicating the disease.

He directed officials to intensify public awareness and ensure community mobilisation as the country prepares for its next nationwide anti-polio campaign starting 21 April.

“Every child under five years of age must receive the vaccine during this drive,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

The prime minister also emphasised the importance of maintaining routine immunisation against other life-threatening diseases alongside the polio campaign.

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister about the upcoming anti-polio campaign, scheduled to run from 21 to 27 April. Around 4.5 million children will be vaccinated during the week-long drive, with the participation of 415,000 polio workers across the country.

The campaign’s performance will undergo third-party validation between 28 and 30 April, in line with the prime minister’s instructions.

Officials also highlighted that cold chain tracking for the campaign is being managed through a digital monitoring system, ensuring vaccine safety and effectiveness.

The meeting was attended by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Special Representative on Polio Ayesha Raza Farooq, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, chief secretaries of all provinces and territories, and representatives from international partner organisations.