ISLAMABAD, Sep 10 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was firmly committed to completely eradicating polio, as he met with a delegation from the Gates Foundation. The delegation, which called on the prime minister, included Gates Foundation representatives Kalpana Kochhar and Anita Zaidi, a Prime Minister's Office news release said. The prime minister appreciated the Gates Foundation's continued support and partnership with Pakistan amid the country's developmental …
PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to eradicate polio in meeting with Gates Foundation delegation
ISLAMABAD, Sep 10 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was firmly committed to completely eradicating polio, as he met with a delegation from the Gates Foundation.
The delegation, which called on the prime minister, included Gates Foundation representatives Kalpana Kochhar and Anita Zaidi, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
The prime minister appreciated the Gates Foundation’s continued support and partnership with Pakistan amid the country’s developmental challenges. He said the National Polio Eradication Programme enjoyed patronage at the highest level, underscoring the government’s resolve to eliminate the crippling disease.
PM Shehbaz said the Gates Foundation had played a commendable role in the fields of polio eradication, health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and the welfare of vulnerable segments of society.
He said key reform priorities including digital payments, food security, maternal and newborn health, poverty alleviation, and climate change were part of the government’s governance reforms agenda.
The prime minister noted that a cashless economy was a fundamental part of the government’s transformation agenda, aimed at making life easier for ordinary citizens, enhancing transparency in government systems, and ensuring that public funds reached deserving segments of society without delay or wastage.
He said digital payments were increasing as a result of the joint efforts of the government and the Gates Foundation, adding that deserving women should receive their financial assistance directly, securely, and with dignity.
The prime minister expressed a desire to partner with the Gates Foundation on focused initiatives for women’s financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
During the meeting, matters pertaining to further strengthening cooperation and partnership between Pakistan and the Gates Foundation were also discussed.
