KARACHI – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called upon religious scholars, political leaders, and social activists to play a proactive role in the fight against polio, emphasizing that a polio-free Pakistan is vital for the nation’s future. Speaking at a ceremony and later addressing the media, the Chief Minister highlighted the scale of the ongoing efforts, noting that 83,000 trained frontline workers and over 24,000 security personnel have been deployed for the current campaign.
A National Responsibility
CM Murad Ali Shah underscored that eradicating the virus is a national duty. He also mentioned the symbolic importance of the cause, noting that First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has pledged her full support. He recalled that the late Shaheed Benazir Bhutto inaugurated the first-ever polio drive in Pakistan by administering drops to Aseefa Bhutto Zardari herself.
Key Successes and Targets
The Chief Minister shared encouraging data regarding the decline of the virus in the province. Positive environmental samples in Sindh have dropped significantly from 80% to 24%. During this seven-day drive, 10.6 million children across the province will be vaccinated, while 9.4 million children will also receive Vitamin A supplements to boost immunity.
On-Ground Action
Prior to his address, the Chief Minister visited classrooms to personally administer polio drops to children. He was accompanied by Provincial Minister Sardar Shah and Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab. The Sindh government, he added, remains committed to bringing essential healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of the citizens through concrete measures.
