Says eradication of the crippling disease moral duty, national emergency
KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has made a strong and urgent appeal to all elected representatives – including members of the national assembly, provincial assembly, and local government bodies – to take full ownership of the anti-polio campaign and lead efforts to protect future generations from the crippling yet preventable disease.
In a detailed letter addressed to lawmakers on both treasury and opposition benches, the chief minister emphasized the critical need for unified and accelerated action ahead of the National Anti-Polio Day scheduled for May 26, 2025.
“Polio eradication is not merely a health issue – it is a moral responsibility. The future of our children and the well-being of generations to come depend on our ability to eliminate this deadly virus once and for all,” the letter stated.
Shah pointed out that Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus still exists. Alarmingly, 74 cases of wild poliovirus were reported nationwide in 2024 – a significant surge compared to previous years. A large number of these cases were reported from Sindh, particularly Karachi and the northern districts.
While vaccination campaigns continue, several persistent challenges remain. Many children are still being missed due to parental refusal, lack of access to remote or neglected areas, and unregistered births.
The chief minister urged elected representatives to lead public engagement campaigns, raise awareness, and support comprehensive health initiatives to overcome these barriers.
Key measures proposed by CM Murad include, ensuring complete and accurate registration of all births, strict enforcement of routine immunisation at all levels, and tackling parental refusal through community engagement and education. Moreover, he also suggested, deploying mobile vaccination teams and local volunteers to reach underserved children and achieving 100% vaccination coverage in every round of the anti-polio drive.
The letter also referenced the upcoming Sub-National Immunization Day in July, stressing the need for sustained vigilance and commitment in the ongoing battle against polio.
“This is a time for leadership and unity,” Murad Ali Shah concluded. “Let us come together to make history by completely eradicating polio from Pakistan.”
Push against plastic
CM Murad Ali Shah, on the occasion of International Plastic Free Day, emphasised that plastic pollution poses a serious threat to our environment, rivers, marine life, and urban infrastructure.
The CM called for the elimination of plastic as a collective responsibility and urged the public to cease using plastic for a better urban environment.
Shah asserted that a plastic-free environment guarantees a better future. He highlighted that the Sindh government has undertaken several measures to combat plastic pollution.
Murad informed that since August 2024, the use of plastic bottles has been banned in all government offices, and glass jugs have been mandated to replace plastic bottles. Moreover, in April 2025, the Sindh government imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of plastic bags.
CM appealed to the public to opt for environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth and paper products instead of plastic to make Sindh a cleaner and greener region. The Chief Minister stressed that these steps are not only essential for protecting the environment but also ensure a healthier and better life for future generations.
News published in the Express Tribune on 26th May 2025