Members of the Parliamentary Caucus for Children’s Rights have proposed making polio vaccinations mandatory for obtaining national identity cards, B forms, and passports. This initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s fight against polio and ensure all children are vaccinated.
Dr. Malik Mukhtar, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Health Services, highlighted the ongoing challenges in eradicating polio. He noted that the Prime Minister is personally monitoring efforts to eliminate the disease.
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During the meeting, Dr. Mukhtar revealed that nine polio cases were reported from a single union council in Dera Ismail Khan, stressing the importance of parental cooperation in vaccination campaigns.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel, convener of the caucus, described the rising polio cases as a national emergency. She highlighted the sacrifices of polio workers, some of whom lost their lives, yet the disease persists after decades of efforts. Before vaccination programs began, over 20,000 children were disabled annually due to polio.
Barrister Aqeel Malik called for laws linking vaccinations to birth and school registrations. He proposed legal action against parents who refuse vaccinations to ensure compliance.
The discussion also underscored the need to involve local leaders and scholars in vaccination campaigns. PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan stressed their role, while JUI’s Shahida Rehmani shared how Maulana Fazlur Rehman actively promoted vaccinations during an outbreak in Lucky Marwat.
