Parliamentarians Propose Mandatory Vaccination for National ID, B-Form, and Passport Issuance
Islamabad:In a meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus on Children’s Rights, a special committee on polio eradication proposed making vaccinations, including polio drops, mandatory for the issuance of national identity cards, B-forms, and passports.
The meeting, held at Parliament House, was attended by key officials, including Dr. Malik Mukhtar, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Health Services. Dr. Mukhtar highlighted the challenges faced in the country’s ongoing efforts to eliminate polio, but assured that the Prime Minister himself is overseeing the polio eradication campaign. He revealed that nine new polio cases had emerged in just one union council of Dera Ismail Khan. Dr. Mukhtar emphasized that without the cooperation of parents, the battle against polio cannot be won.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel, the Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus for the Protection of Children’s Rights, described the increasing number of polio cases as a national emergency. She acknowledged the sacrifices of polio workers who have even lost their lives in the fight against the disease. Despite the efforts of the last three decades, she noted, polio has not been fully eradicated from Pakistan. Dr. Shakeel added that prior to the polio eradication program, more than 20,000 children in Pakistan were disabled annually due to the disease.
During the meeting, Ali Mohammad Khan of the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) emphasized the importance of involving respected religious scholars and local leadership in the anti-polio campaign. He stressed that their support could help convince communities to participate more actively in vaccination efforts.
JUI (Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Islam) member Shahida Rehmani shared an example from Laki Marwat, where, during an outbreak of polio, Maulana Fazlur Rehman personally went door-to-door to administer polio drops to children.
Barrister Aqeel Malik also highlighted the importance of linking vaccinations to birth and school registration. He suggested that legislation should be introduced to hold parents accountable for not vaccinating their children against polio and other preventable diseases.
The meeting concluded with a collective acknowledgment that while Pakistan has made significant progress in the fight against polio, greater coordination and community involvement are essential to eradicate the disease once and for all.
