In meeting with Gates Foundation delegation, PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to polio eradication 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to rid the country of polio and achieve complete eradication of the crippling disease.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation from the Gates Foundation, which met the prime minister in Islamabad on Thursday.

The visiting delegation included Dr Kalpana Kochhar, Interim President of the Global Policy and Advocacy Division, and Dr Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division of the Gates Foundation.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said that the national campaign against polio continues to receive the government’s strongest possible support and oversight.

He praised the Gates Foundation for its sustained cooperation and assistance in helping Pakistan address major development and social challenges.

PM Shehbaz highlighted the foundation’s important contribution to several areas, including polio elimination, healthcare, nutrition, financial inclusion and assistance for disadvantaged communities.

He said the government’s reform programme is focusing on several key areas, such as digital payments, food security, maternal and newborn healthcare, poverty reduction and climate-related challenges.

The premier said that moving towards a cashless economy is a central part of the government’s transformation strategy.

He added that the initiative is intended to make everyday transactions easier for citizens, strengthen transparency and ensure government financial assistance reaches eligible recipients efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

PM Shehbaz said that collaboration between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation is also helping expand the use of digital payment systems across the country.

He stressed that financial assistance meant for deserving women should reach them directly and securely while ensuring that their dignity is fully respected.

PM Shehbaz further expressed his interest in developing targeted programmes with the Gates Foundation to increase women’s access to financial services and create greater opportunities for their economic empowerment.

The meeting also included discussions on ways to broaden and deepen the existing cooperation and partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation.