Pakistan to be made polio-free: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to making Pakistan polio-free, stating that with collective efforts, the disease will be completely eradicated and prevented from re-emerging in the future, ensuring a healthier future for the nation’s children.

Speaking at a ceremony after launching the 7-day polio eradication campaign, the prime minister stressed that a unified approach and collaborative efforts are crucial to successfully tackling the polio challenge and achieving a polio-free Pakistan.

At the ceremony, the prime minister extended a warm welcome to the attendees and expressed his appreciation for the outstanding collaboration and tireless efforts of federal and provincial government staff, foot soldiers and security officers, who have worked together seamlessly to drive the polio eradication campaign forward.

The prime minister voiced his confidence that by working together with provincial chief ministers, chief secretaries, health ministers and health secretaries, the government will successfully eliminate polio, paving the way for a polio-free future and eradicating this preventable disease in the years to come.

The prime minister assured that the polio eradication campaign is in capable hands, being led by expert teams, and expressed optimism that the federal government’s joint efforts with the provinces will ultimately lead to the disease’s eradication. He further pledged that once polio is eliminated, the government will ensure it never returns, providing a safer future for generations to come.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon the nation to support the government’s efforts in promoting literacy and ensuring education for all, emphasizing the importance of building a bright future for the children and the country. “Literacy is a fundamental human and constitutional right that guarantees the future of our country,” the prime minister said in a message on the occasion of International Literacy Day.

He said literacy is not merely the ability to read and write, it is a gateway to empowerment, economic opportunities, and active participation in society. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the education agenda, striving for a more informed and sustainable nation,” he said adding, “Education is the backbone of our society.”

“For this purpose, we have declared an educational emergency across the country, launched an enrollment campaign for students, and initiated mid-day meals for children in schools,” he said.

To reduce the dropout rate and encourage every child to complete their education, the prime minister pointed out that the government had introduced scholarships and other incentives.

In this rapidly emerging world, developing literacy and skills in line with technology is inevitable, the prime minister said adding that the government was implementing a comprehensive plan to integrate technology into the educational system, ensuring that the youth were equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. He said private sector and civil society organisations were equal partners in the government’s efforts.

“By establishing effective partnerships, we can link education with employment and self-employment opportunities, creating a stronger and more inclusive workforce,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended the Pakistan Navy for its unwavering dedication to duty and passion for the country. “On Navy Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to all members of the Pakistan Navy.”

“Their steadfast commitment to protecting our maritime boundaries exemplifies their unwavering dedication to duty and passion for the country,” the prime minister wrote on his official X timeline.” He said regardless of the challenges they faced, their determination and spirit remained resolute. “We deeply value their service and sacrifices, and their contributions to safeguarding our maritime borders,” he said.