3,000 policemen to provide security to polio teams

CM directs Sindh IG to provide security as well as lunch and transport facilities to the teams

KARACHI: The Sindh government is going to launch a four-day anti-polio drive from November 3 for which Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has directed the police department to provide 3,000 policemen for the security of the polio teams.

This decision was taken in a meeting presided over by the chief minister (CM) at CM House on Wednesday. Those who attended the meeting included MNA Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, chief secretary Siddique Memon, principal secretary to CM Alamuddin Bullo, health secretary Saeed Mangnejo and polio eradication project director Usman Chachar.



Pechuho told the chief minister that they want to launch the anti-polio drive from November 3 till November 6. "There are a few issues such as security and transport, which need to be addressed," she said.

The chief minister directed Sindh IG Ghulam Hyder Jamali to provide a force of 3,000 policemen to the polio teams. "I want you to ensure the security of the polio teams and also provide them lunch and transport, for which funds have been provided to the project director of the polio eradication programme," he said.



The CM said that he was committed along with the people of Sindh to eradicate polio from the society. "It is our national and international commitment," he said.

Shah also directed his principal secretary to coordinate with the programme members and provide them security when they launch the second phase during the third week of November.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2015.