Balochistan CM Promises Full Support for Polio Eradication Efforts Amid Concerns Over Recent Cases

Quetta:Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti met with Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to discuss ongoing polio prevention efforts. The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers Sardar Faisal Jamali and Ali Madad Jattak, Secretary Health Muhammad Saleh Baloch, Polio Coordinator Captain (Retd) Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq, Commissioner Quetta Division Hamza Shafqat, and Coordinator Emergency Operations Center Inam Khan Mandokhel.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the province’s polio prevention measures and the progress of the polio eradication campaign in Balochistan. Ayesha Raza Farooq expressed concern over the reported polio cases in the province and announced that a special polio eradication campaign would be launched over the next three months, specifically in September, October, and November.

Chief Minister Bugti assured that his administration would provide full support to the polio teams to ensure the campaign’s smooth operation. He also vowed strict action against any interference in the polio program. The Chief Minister directed the Secretary Health to avoid any lapses in the health department’s polio and vaccination programs and to ensure a high-quality campaign.

He emphasized that the Extended Program of Immunization (EPI) should be consistently conducted in high-risk districts over the coming months. Bugti stressed that the success of the polio program depends on raising public awareness, with key roles for religious leaders, media, and civil society to help eradicate the disease completely.