Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, in a message marking World Polio Day, appealed to all Pakistanis to intensify efforts in the fight against polio, aiming for a polio-free nation. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration among the government, health workers, parents, and communities to protect every child from this preventable disease.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan has made substantial progress in reducing polio cases by 99.8% since the early 1990s, where cases have decreased from approximately 20,000 annually to 31 cases in 2025 and five reported so far in 2026. This achievement is attributed to the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including the government, health workers, parents, communities, and development partners.

The country's journey towards polio eradication began in 1994 when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto initiated the first nationwide vaccination campaign and personally administered polio drops to her daughter, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari. President Zardari acknowledged the contributions of over 400,000 frontline polio workers, noting that 60% are women, and highlighted their role in serving communities nationwide.

President Zardari urged parents and caregivers to ensure that every child under five receives the necessary vaccinations during polio campaigns. He also called for sustained routine immunization to protect against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Furthermore, he appealed to community leaders, religious figures, political leaders, civil society, media, and development partners to maintain their support for polio eradication initiatives and encourage vaccination among children.

The President reiterated the importance of these collective efforts until every child in Pakistan is safeguarded against polio, achieving the ultimate goal of a polio-free future.