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Pakistan has recorded a sharp decline in reported polio cases, with the number falling from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025 and four so far in 2026, while positivity rates in environmental surveillance samples have also fallen below 10 percent.<\/strong><\/p>\n The figures were presented at a meeting of the Prime Minister\u2019s Committee on the National Taskforce for Polio Eradication, chaired by Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Prof. Ahsan Iqbal.<\/p>\n The planning minister also formally launched the latest nationwide vaccination campaign and reaffirmed the government\u2019s resolve to continue national efforts until poliovirus transmission was completely stopped.<\/p>\n Three of the four cases recorded this year were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), highlighting the areas where health authorities say continued efforts are needed.<\/p>\n The meeting was attended by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Prime Minister\u2019s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, representatives of provincial governments and development partners, as well as officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Pakistan PolioPlus Committee and Rotary.<\/p>\n In his opening remarks, Ahsan Iqbal described polio eradication as a national responsibility and called on parents to ensure that all eligible children received the vaccine.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen a polio worker knocks on your door, do not ignore that knock. It is the knock of your child\u2019s future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He urged religious scholars, community leaders and opinion-makers to counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence in vaccination.<\/p>\n The minister condemned attacks and intimidation against polio workers and called for collective efforts to protect frontline teams working on vaccination campaigns.<\/p>\n On this occasion, health minister Mustafa Kamal praised polio workers, provincial governments and field staff, but said the decline in cases did not mean the campaign could end.<\/p>\n Representatives from the World Bank and UNICEF welcomed the reduction in cases. UNICEF said the upcoming campaign would provide an opportunity to concentrate on areas considered to be at highest risk and build on recent progress.<\/p>\n Concluding the meeting, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said the results reflected a promising trajectory and demonstrated a whole-of-government commitment to making Pakistan polio-free.<\/p>\n He said polio teams must be enabled to reach every child and that no area should remain beyond the campaign\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n He assured frontline personnel that they would not be left alone in carrying out their responsibilities and that the government and the country\u2019s security apparatus would stand firmly behind them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n