It now remains to be seen whether other polio-free countries, particularly those that receive large numbers of visitors from Pakistan, will react in a manner similar to India. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
Whilst it would have been at the very least polite for India to give the Pakistan health authorities reasonable notice as to what it planned, it is difficult to deny the very real necessity of the ban. India has been polio free since 2009, whilst in this year alone, Pakistan has seen a 30 per cent rise in polio cases and there are more cases being reported almost daily. Karachi, according to WHO officials, may be on the verge of a major polio outbreak. India, along with many other countries in the world, views Pakistani travellers with both concern and suspicion, and not because of them being suspected terrorists or engaged in espionage, but because of something potentially far more damaging. The polio virus that was behind outbreaks in Egypt and Syria has been tracked back to Pakistan. The Indian High Commission was at pains to point out that the restrictions applied to all countries where polio was endemic and Pakistan had not been singled out for ‘special treatment’. There is to be a meeting of the WHO regional board at the end of January 2014 and polio is on the agenda. It now remains to be seen whether other polio-free countries, particularly those that receive large numbers of visitors from Pakistan, will react in a manner similar to India. It is entirely possible that individual states, viewing the deteriorating situation here, will pre-empt any travel directive from the WHO and impose restrictions as well. Nobody can say we were not warned.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2013.
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Yes, at a time when new Pakistani PM indirectly threatening a "fourth war" because of "Kashmir issue", that should India have been about the potential of Polio outbreak---more polite.
Pakistan should have seen this coming long ago - if you are unable to control your territory and implement a proper vaccination program you should have required vaccination as prerequisite to obtaining passport.
Well written and very balanced editorial.... The battle against Polio was one of the most difficult which we have won. India has put lots of efforts and resources against this dreadful disease. I can remember that even a sage came when we saw 6 months of continuous immunisation in the polio endemic states..... India can not take a chance and let all the effort and resources go in drains nor can be punished for the lack of commitment and will of the countries who are not sincere enough against this disease...........There was simply no other option left for India. Period.
Yes. I agree with Indian restrictions. We really did a great job getting rid of polio. Can't let it come from outside.
The mandatory requirement is effective 30th Jan 2014 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ the polite notice is very much there. Editor pls note.
I sure hope so there are more travel restrictions coming. That is going to be the only way our governments can get their act together and do something about the disease.
Not much unlike they need IMF conditions to undertake commonsense economic reforms.