Abdullah Malik
ISLAMABAD: The Senate session of the Parliament gain heated debate over the increasing number of polio cases in Pakistan and spotlighted that the country can face international restrictions if concrete measures were not taken by the government. Senator from various political parties raised their concerns over the increasing numbers of the polio cases and suggested to include former advisor to Prime Minister on polio eradication Babar Bin Atta in investigation.
Senator Usman Kakar while discussing the issue added that unfortunately we failed as state to control the polio adding that various backward countries taken solid measures to eradicate polio epidemics but we didn’t.
He added that it’s embarrassing for us on international front. Kakar suggested canceling the national identity cards (CNIC) of all those parents who refused to vaccinate their children.
Senator Kakar while surfacing the issue of polio added that refusal of parents from vaccination isn’t the only reason that polio number are increasing but there are other reasons as well and an inquiry is the need of time to investigate various sides of the issue adding that foreign financial support should also be investigated that how much money is coming for polio campaign.
He feared that may be some elements are not controlling the epidemics due to their financial benefits.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmad while quoting the UN organization, World Health Organization (WHO) numbers mentioned that their report mentioned regarding Pakistan that due to no political well of Pakistan polio is still a threat to the country.
The senator added that the World Health Organization also mentioned other impediments for controlling the epidemics. Mushtaq Ahmad added that in 2017-18 the number of polio victims was very less but unfortunately the number increased in 2019-20 which is alarming and threat to our children life.
The Senator demanded to arrest the former advisor to Prime Minister on polio eradication for investigation.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary affairs Azam Khan Swati while responding the queries of the senators on the polio epidemics negate the claims that government is not serious for eradicating the polio epidemic because we are committed to our country and people.
He added that unluckily the extremist tendencies polluted the mind of innocent people regarding the polio vaccinations that’s why parents are refusing for vaccination of their children.
The minister while mentioning the responsible role of media added that a man in Peshawar created hype and speculations on social media regarding risk to human health from polio vaccination.
He thanked media for investigating the fraud and aware the citizens of Pakistan regarding the malicious propaganda.
The senator while responding the demand of arresting former PM advisor added that polio is a threatening diseases and an issue of the country humiliation that’s why no one will be spared who are responsible. The minister added that if the former Advisor to Prime Minister Babar Bin Atta is responsible for this criminal negligence he should also be include in investigation along with others and if anyone found accused of this criminal negligence strict legal action would be taken against them.
