January 21, 2014 - In a statement issued by the office of Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq strongly condemned the terrorist incidents claimed the lives of 3 polio workers. The Prime Minister’s Polio Focal Person paid tribute to the workers and the important jobs they are doing saying; “These martyred polio workers further strengthen our resolve to defeat this mindset who are playing havoc with the lives of children. Polio workers are our frontline volunteers who are risking their lives for our healthy future. Their security and protection is the prime responsibility of the Federal and Provincial Governments.’’

The Federal Government has issued strict security and operational guidelines for conducting immunization campaigns in protected and secured environment. Ms. Farooq went on to say that; ‘’This unfortunate incident of targeting polio workers will be investigated to find out where was the security lapse and ensure that the perpetrators are found and brought to justice.’’

Pakistan is a frontline state in the war against terrorism and these attacks on polio workers should be seen in the context of the prevailing wave of terrorist attacks across the country. The Government of Pakistan is making every effort to combat the terrorism menace that is also jeopardizing the biggest public health programme of the country.
In her statement, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq reiterated the commitment of Pakistan to eradicate polio and pledged its commitment to give every child in Pakistan a healthy and polio free future.