Islamabad, January 22, 2015 -  Eminent Islamic scholars meeting here today called for intensifying efforts to stop poliovirus transmission in the country. The meeting held at the International Islamic University, Islamabad, was attended by Acting President IIUI Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan, Secretary General Wafaaq ur Madaaris Qari Muhammad HanifJalindhari, Director Programs IIIRD Dr. Talib Hussain Sial, Mr. Zubair Usamani of Darululoom Karachi, Deputy Director General Dawah Academy IIUI Dr. Imtiaz Zafar, representatives from National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) and partner organizations.

In her keynote address Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq said every effort was being made by the Government and all stakeholders to defeat polio. She assured the audience that there was highest level of political commitment at all levels to fight polio as the Government considers it the right of every child to be protected against disability. She said the role of Islamic scholars in voicing concern for health and wellbeing of children is laudable.

Ayesha Raza Farooq informed that Prime Minister has directed for practical steps for eradication of polio has also formed a special committee of Cabinet in this regard, in which Interior Minister and Defense Minister are also members. PM's Focal Person on Polio apprised that efforts for polio eradication have been expedited and after two and a half years vaccination work in Waziristan has also started. Training has also been provided to 550 Islamic scholars regarding polio eradication orientation awareness.

She appreciated the role of media while saying that the media can provide significant role in helping to achieve the goal of polio eradication. She also lauded the role of International Islamic University and hoped that cooperation would continue till the country becomes polio free.

The meeting agreed that the scholars who have any reservations regarding vaccination procedure should be approached and convinced. They also agreed that Ulema of the remote areas and union councils and grass root level should be approached to have positive results in eradication of polio.

Dr. Mohammad Bashir Khan informed that IIUI has organized 25 seminars, programs and workshop on polio awareness across the country including Quetta and other far flung areas of Pakistan. He vowed that university and its units would keep working for the elimination of polio.

Dr. Talib Sial said that IIIRD has arranged numerous programs for awareness regarding polio while 120 Ullema who participated in workshops of Dawah Academy and Shariah Academy of IIUI have been given orientation regarding Polio. He also said that university’s Dawah Academy has also launched a special number on health measures in which Fatwas regarding polio vaccine and special articles on polio eradication and information have been published.

Qari Hafeez Jalindhari stressed that Fatwas given by the authentic scholars regarding polio eradication should be disseminated widely.

At the end of the meeting, special number of Dawah Academy on health measures including special polio package was presented by Dr. Bashir Khan to Ayesha Raza Farooq.