Islamabad: On World Polio Day, First Lady of Pakistan Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari emphasized the critical importance of continuing the fight against polio to achieve a polio-free Pakistan. She highlighted the need for collective efforts from all sectors of society to ensure that every child is vaccinated against this preventable disease.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the First Lady reflected on the personal significance of polio eradication, recalling how her mother, the late Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, initiated Pakistan's first nationwide polio eradication campaign in 1994. The campaign's launch, marked by her mother administering the first polio drops to her, underscored a national commitment to eliminate the disease.

Despite progress, Pakistan's fight against polio is ongoing, with challenges remaining, particularly in reaching children in hard-to-access areas. The First Lady urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with polio teams and ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations. She also called on community elders, teachers, and local leaders to help families understand the importance of repeated vaccination.

The First Lady paid tribute to the dedication of frontline polio workers, especially women vaccinators, and acknowledged the essential role of security personnel who protect these teams. She condemned attacks on vaccination workers and emphasized the need for consistent, coordinated efforts across government, health sectors, and communities.

Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari concluded by stating that while a polio-free Pakistan is attainable, it requires sustained effort and participation from all citizens.