Federal and Provincial Leadership Unite for Polio-Free Balochistan, Agree on Effective and Coordinated Strategy with Public Support

Quetta: A high-level meeting aimed at eradicating polio from Balochistan was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta on Monday, chaired jointly by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. The meeting focused on the current challenges, strategies, and future course of action for the polio eradication campaign.
The leadership reached a consensus that the success of the anti-polio drive would rely on a coordinated, effective approach that incorporates public involvement and cooperation. It was decided that the success of the campaign would be contingent on public support and collaboration to ensure sustainable results at the community level.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, in his address, emphasized that the eradication of polio is not just a medical initiative but a national and collective responsibility. He stated that both internal and external migration pose significant challenges to the anti-polio campaign. However, the government is committed to facing this challenge with full resolve. CM Bugti also pointed out the valuable cooperation of the opposition in public welfare matters, which is encouraging. He stressed that without public support, the dream of eradicating polio would not be realized, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community heads to play their part in their respective spheres.
Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal praised the Balochistan government’s sincere efforts in combating polio and stated that the success of the polio eradication drive can only be achieved through national unity and public collaboration. He emphasized that the involvement of parents, religious leaders, media, and civil society is crucial to the campaign’s success.
He further mentioned that the practical efforts of the Balochistan government would pave the way for achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan in the future. The Federal Minister assured that the federal government would continue to provide all necessary support to the provincial government in this regard.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to ensure that all government bodies, citizens, institutions, and the wider society collectively join hands to provide a safe, healthy, and polio-free future for future generations.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Health Minister Bakht Mohammad Kakar, Leader of the Opposition Mir Younis Aziz Zehri, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Zahid Saleem, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Secretary Health Balochistan Mujib-ur-Rehman Panizai, Director-General Health Services Balochistan Dr. Ameen Khan Mandokhel, Commissioner Quetta Division Hamza Shafqat, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Khan Badini, Dr. Aftab, Dr. Asif Khan, Dr. Najibullah, Mr. Shah Poor, along with senior officials from the Health Department, District Administration, and relevant agencies. Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq and divisional commissioners from across Balochistan participated in the meeting via video link and highlighted ongoing efforts in the fight against polio.