Islamabad, 28-Jan-2026 (PPI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that emergency measures remain essential in the battle against polio, despite considerable advancements made in combating the disease.

During a meeting in the capital with Dr Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to completely eliminate the virus.

Mr Sharif outlined that the administration is executing a comprehensive strategy, supported by practical actions from an effective team, to achieve this goal. He also conveyed profound gratitude for the collaborative support from Bill Gates and Saudi Arabia in the anti-polio campaign.

The Prime Minister detailed that the federal government is operating in close coordination with provincial authorities to guarantee that immunisation teams have accessibility across the entire country.

He confirmed that pertinent projects for the polio eradication initiative under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) would persist nationwide.

In response, Dr Elias commended the Prime Minister’s personal focus on polio eradication and the effective measures being implemented. He recognised that Pakistan is taking significant steps towards total eradication, with efforts showing clear signs of progressing towards success.

The Gates Foundation representative affirmed that constructive consultations with federal and provincial governments, alongside other relevant institutions, would continue to support the mission of making Pakistan polio-free.