ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported its seventh poliovirus case of the current year, from Karachi East district in Sindh, underscoring the urgent need for consistent vaccination to protect children against a paralytic disease that has no cure but can be prevented through vaccination.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC) the case was reported through the polio surveillance network and confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH).
A comprehensive case investigation has already been launched. The Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is already analyzing the best science-based response to tackle and prevent further transmission, including targeted vaccination activities and support to strengthen routine immunization.
The last case from Karachi was reported in December 2024. Despite an overall decline in wild poliovirus transmission, the Karachi has continued to report environmental detections throughout the year, indicating that ongoing transmission remains a real threat for children.
Owing to mass polio vaccination drives—which are safe and effective—Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8 percent, from an estimated 20,000 cases in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025, and seven so far this year. Of this year’s seven reported cases, five are from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (four from southern KP alone) and two are from Sindh.
In 2026, Pakistan has already implemented four large-scale polio campaigns, protecting more than 45 million children multiple times, alongside smaller targeted oral and injectable vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas. In September, a sub-national campaign protected over 29.3 million children across the country, while the next vaccination round is scheduled from November 2-8 to protect nearly 24 million in 97 districts, including all districts of Karachi.
Polio is a highly contagious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and, in some cases, death. It can, however, be prevented through safe and effective polio vaccines, which have been used safely in 195 countries, including all Muslim-majority countries.
Polio eradication is a collective responsibility. Pakistan’s dedicated frontline workers continue to bring vaccines to children at their doorsteps, while parents and caregivers play a crucial role by ensuring their children receive all recommended doses, including routine immunizations. The PEI urges all parents and communities to ensure that all children under five receive the protective polio vaccine in every round.
Communities, religious leaders, and the media also have a vital role to play in promoting vaccination, countering misinformation, and ensuring every child is reached. Together, we can build a healthier Pakistan for all and achieve a polio-free future for every family, regardless of social or economic status, no matter where they live or who they are.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026