No deadline given for polio-free Pakistan, clarifies PM House spokesperson

It was widely reported in media yesterday that PM Nawaz has set a six-month deadline to eradicate crippling disease

ISLAMABAD: Determined to make Pakistan polio-free as soon as possible, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, however, had not set any deadline, Prime Minister House spokesperson clarified on Thursday, Express News reported.

It was widely reported in the media yesterday that PM Nawaz has set a six-month deadline to eradicate the crippling disease.

However, PM House spokesperson said the premier had not made any such claim.

PM Nawaz had chaired the Polio Steering Committee meeting in Islamabad where the chief ministers were directed to make polio eradication a top priority by ensuring quality campaigns alongside effective security measures.

He had also announced to set up a cabinet committee for eradication of polio virus.

Around 231 polio cases were reported this year, the most in a decade, with 150 in Fata, 48 in K-P, 23 in Sindh, seven in Balochistan and three in Punjab.