ISLAMABAD: Raising concerns over the continued circulation of the crippling virus despite ongoing eradication efforts, Pakistan reported its eighth polio case of 2026 on Sunday, with the latest infection detected in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the country has recorded eight polio cases so far this year, including six from KP and two from Sindh.
The latest case comes as authorities prepare to launch a nationwide sub-national anti-polio campaign from November 2 to 8 across 97 selected districts, targeting more than 24 million children under the age of five.
The campaign aims to strengthen immunity among vulnerable children and prevent further transmission of the highly infectious virus.
The NEOC has reiterated that while polio has no cure, it is entirely preventable through vaccination.
It urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive polio drops during every campaign and complete their routine immunisation schedules on time.
The authorities also called on community leaders, religious scholars, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support vaccination teams and help address barriers to immunisation.
With eight cases already reported this year, health authorities face the continuing challenge of reaching every child, particularly in areas where repeated vaccination campaigns remain critical to stopping the spread of the virus.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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