Karachi, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), emphasized the legacy of the party’s commitment to a polio-free Pakistan, referencing the vision of his mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He expressed concern over the recent emergence of a polio case in Sindh after a three-year hiatus and underscored the importance of community engagement and the valiant efforts of polio workers throughout the country.
According to a news release by the Pakistan People’s Party, in his message for World Polio Day, Mr. Zardari recalled that the Polio Eradication Program was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in 1994, marking the country’s first significant step toward eradicating the paralyzing disease. This initiative, however, was met with opposition and skepticism. In a notable gesture to counteract the misinformation and to emphasize the vaccine’s safety, she had her daughter, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, publicly vaccinated. The PPP Chairman shared his firm belief in the eventual success of all endeavours initiated by his late mother.
The PPP’s anti-polio drive has been notably effective. Under its provincial government, Sindh reported no polio cases from July 2020 until October 2023. The recent detection of a polio case, after the PPP’s government term concluded two months ago, deeply concerns Mr. Zardari. Addressing parents directly, he urged them to be proactive in ensuring their children under five receive the polio vaccine and to extend full cooperation to polio workers during their visits.
Expressing profound admiration for the polio workers’ resilience and dedication, Mr. Zardari paid homage to those who lost their lives in different regions during anti-polio campaigns. Recognizing their often underacknowledged efforts, he affirmed that they are true heroes in the battle against a disease that poses severe risks to the nation’s children. He remained optimistic, predicting that due to these unwavering efforts, Pakistan will soon join the ranks of polio-free nations.