QUETTA: Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, and Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, jointly chaired a high-level meeting to review and reinforce efforts against polio in Balochistan.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal jointly chaired a high-level meeting on polio to chalk out a comprehensive strategy for polio eradication in Balochistan.
Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme reported 74 polio cases in the country in 2024. Out of these Balochistan had reported 27 cases, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 24 cases.
The meeting concluded with consensus on a robust, integrated, and practical strategy to make Balochistan a polio-free province. A key decision was to ensure that polio eradication campaigns are carried out with public consent and cooperation to maximize impact and outreach.
Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti said that eradicating polio is a collective responsibility and requires unwavering national resolve. He pointed out that internal and cross-border migration continues to pose serious challenges to the effectiveness of polio campaigns. “We are treating polio like a national challenge and advancing our efforts with full determination,” he said.
وفاقی وزیر صحت مصطفیٰ کمال اور وزیر اعلیٰ بلوچستان میر سرفراز بگٹی کی مشترکہ زیر صدارت انسداد پولیو اجلاس۔
اجلاس میں بلوچستان کو پولیو فری بنانے کے لیے مربوط، مؤثر اور قابل عمل حکمت عملی پر اتفاق۔ انسداد پولیو مہم کو عوامی رضا مندی اور تعاون سے مشروط کرنے کا فیصلہ۔ وزیر اعلیٰ… pic.twitter.com/zHATA03GPX
— Govt. of Balochistan (@dpr_gob) June 17, 2025
He further noted that the government has full support from the opposition when it comes to matters of public interest, including the polio drive. “Victory in the war against polio is only possible through national unity,” he stressed.
Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal lauded the Balochistan government’s practical measures and expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts. “Public awareness and grassroots involvement are essential for the success of the polio campaign,” he remarked.
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He particularly highlighted the vital role of parents and religious scholars, calling them key stakeholders in building trust and mobilizing communities. With coordinated efforts and sustained commitment, he said, Pakistan can achieve the long-cherished goal of becoming a polio-free nation.
