Sindh CM Threatens Strict Penalties for Parents Refusing Polio Drops; Vaccine-Refusal Cell Set Up
KARACHI:Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday warned that the provincial government is considering stringent measures against parents who refuse to vaccinate their children against polio, saying there is little choice left but to impose penalties on those who shirk the national duty of polio eradication.
Speaking at a meeting on polio eradication held at the Chief Minister’s House, Mr. Shah announced plans under consideration that could include suspension of mobile SIMs, temporary blocking of national identity cards and passports, and other restrictions that would deny refusers travel and communications services. He also ordered the establishment of a dedicated “polio vaccine refusal” cell at the Chief Minister’s House to monitor and respond to instances of vaccine refusal.
The chief minister stressed the urgency of eliminating poliovirus and framed the proposed punitive measures as a last resort to protect public health. Provincial authorities have repeatedly cited missed children and community resistance as key obstacles in the ongoing fight to eradicate polio.
No timeline was announced for implementation of the proposed sanctions, and officials said the move aims to bolster vaccination coverage while complementing awareness and outreach campaigns.
