Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a directive for the creation of a comprehensive anti-polio strategy within one week, emphasizing collaboration with all four provinces to eliminate the disease from Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister led a review meeting in Islamabad to address polio eradication. During the session, he underscored the importance of complete eradication through provincial consultations and a unified approach involving all relevant parties. Acknowledging the significant challenge that the disease presents, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the nation’s resolve to overcome it.

Sharif instructed the Federal Minister for National Health Services and other key officials to promptly visit all provinces and engage with respective Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries. He voiced concern over recent polio cases, urging intensified efforts and an enhanced strategy. The Prime Minister also called for improvements in routine immunization, especially in high-risk areas.

He acknowledged the efforts of frontline polio workers and law enforcement in executing successful campaigns, highlighting improved access in security-sensitive regions as a key achievement. Ensuring the safety and uninterrupted operation of vaccination teams remains a government priority.

The meeting revealed a new polio case in Khyber district, increasing this year’s total to nine. Seven cases emerged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with links to the virus from Afghanistan, while two were reported in Sindh. Cross-border movement from Afghanistan is noted as a major factor in the virus’s spread.

No new cases have been reported in Punjab since February 2025, and Balochistan has remained case-free in 2025 and 2026. Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan continue to be polio-free. A decrease in poliovirus detection in Sindh’s environmental samples was also observed. Authorities are enhancing security and access for polio teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern districts.