PM Shehbaz, Bill Gates Discuss Pakistan’s Push to Eradicate Polio

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates in New York on Wednesday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Polio eradication was a key focus of the talks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating polio.

He also thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding support.

The foundation has supported Pakistan in polio eradication and other health initiatives.

These areas include maternal and child health, nutrition and immunisation.

Cooperation also covers digitalisation and financial inclusion, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Gates Praises Pakistan’s Polio Efforts

Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio.

He stressed the importance of eradication for protecting future generations.

Gates also appreciated Shehbaz’s guidance to provincial governments on the nationwide vaccination programme.

The meeting also covered the Gates Foundation’s recent engagement in Pakistan.

From Policy To Practice: Pakistan’s Maritime Turn On World Maritime Day 2026

Shehbaz described the foundation as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

He expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture and digital innovation.

Artificial intelligence was also identified as an area for possible cooperation.

Agriculture and Technology Cooperation

The prime minister briefed Gates on reforms in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

The reforms focus on innovation, biotechnology and climate resilience.

Research and farmer capacity-building are also part of the government’s agenda.

Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in several agricultural technologies.

These include improved seeds and livestock genetics.

Emerging agricultural technologies will also be considered.

Shehbaz also invited Gates to visit Pakistan again.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued cooperation in development and technology.

Shehbaz Meets Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chairman

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Be?irovi? in New York.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues.

Their discussions covered political, economic and defence cooperation.

Skilled labour mobility, education and cultural cooperation were also discussed.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He said Pakistan wanted to develop a broader partnership with the country.

Trade and economic cooperation would form an important part of that partnership, he said.

The prime minister also described Bosnia and Herzegovina as a potential trade and connectivity hub.

Such a role could help Pakistani goods access European and Western Balkan markets.

Be?irovi? praised Pakistan’s role in efforts to reduce tensions in West Asia and the Gulf.

He also supported Pakistan’s position regarding the Indus Waters Treaty.

Both leaders agreed to remain in contact and advance bilateral relations.

They also discussed possible high-level visits between the two countries.

Pakistan Reports Four Polio Cases in 2026

Pakistan has reported four confirmed wild poliovirus cases in 2026.

Three of the cases have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The fourth case was reported from Sindh.

Three cases have come from Bannu Division in southern KP.

Security-related access problems have affected vaccination efforts in parts of the region.

The latest case involved an eight-month-old child from Bannu district.

According to the national polio programme, vaccination teams had faced difficulties reaching children in the affected area.

The programme said the virus continues to circulate in southern KP.

Pakistan recorded 74 polio cases in 2024 and 31 in 2025.

The decline continued in 2026, but health authorities say transmission has not been interrupted.

The World Health Organization has also identified southern KP and Karachi among areas where WPV1 transmission remains a concern.

September Vaccination Campaign Underway

Pakistan launched a September polio vaccination campaign on September 21.

The campaign will continue until September 27.

More than 31 million children under five are being targeted across 115 high-risk districts.

More than 273,000 frontline workers are supporting the campaign.

The programme is focusing on areas with immunity gaps and a higher risk of poliovirus transmission.

Security remains an important challenge for vaccination teams.

On September 22, two police officers protecting polio workers were killed in Nushki, Balochistan.

The vaccination workers were unharmed in the attack.

Health authorities continue to stress the importance of repeated vaccination.

They say consistent immunisation is essential to protect children and interrupt poliovirus transmission.