ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that government remained committed to ending all forms of polio in country. PM had telephonic conversation with co-Chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Bill Gates and discussed ongoing public health and social sector programmes supported by BMGF in Pakistan, PM Office Media Wing said in press release. Expressing concern over-reporting of new cases in 2022 after one year without any polio case, he noted that there had been pause in polio cases since September 2022.

In light of recent flooding which had adversely affected ongoing polio vaccination efforts due to large-scale displacements and destruction of healthcare infrastructure, prime minister reaffirmed that government was actively implementing special emergency response plan and would continue to adapt and find ways to reach out to children in these challenging times. He appreciated valuable support extended by BMGF to Pakistan in polio eradication and improving immunisation, nutrition and financial inclusion in country.

PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen fruitful partnership with Foundation in all ongoing areas of cooperation. Gates deeply regretted loss of lives in recent flooding in Pakistan. He acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and reiterated his Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan for ensuring that no child was at risk of paralysis due to poliovirus. Various other government-led programmes supported by BMGF aimed at addressing malnutrition and stunting, essential immunisation services, micropayment gateway RAAST and digitisation of National Savings Programme were also discussed. Both agreed to continue working together on shared objectives and in areas of mutual cooperation.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif said that government is working to promote public-private partnership for development projects to accelerate economic growth in country. Speaking at ground-breaking ceremony of 306 kilometers Sukkur-Hyderabad M-6 project in Sukkur Prime Minister said M-6 Motorway project will be completed in thirty months and after its completion, connectivity of North with South to be completed.

He said that coalition government is committed to bring development and prosperity in all deprived areas of country including Balochistan and Sindh. He said that Gwadar Port project will also be operationalised soon as development of country is incomplete without progress in Balochistan. In his tweet, Prime congratulated Prince Karim Aga Khan IV on his birthday. He said we acknowledge, appreciate and remain grateful for his wonderful contributions to cause of education and socio-economic development in Pakistan and around world.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 14 2022

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