ISLAMABAD: His Excellency Tarik Ali Khan, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, visited the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) today, where he was received by the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, along with core group members and representatives from UNICEF and WHO.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq acknowledged Canada’s longstanding partnership in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, which has contributed to a 99% reduction in cases since 1994. She commended the 400,000 vaccinators—over half of them women— who go door to door in every campaign, emphasizing that Canada’s global leadership in gender equality aligns deeply with Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Program.
“As we near eradication, sustaining momentum through continued collaboration and investment is vital to ensure no child ever faces paralysis again,” Ms. Farooq stated.
National Coordinator Mr. Anwar Ul Haq briefed the delegation on the current polio situation, noting encouraging progress compared to the previous year.
Expressing his appreciation, His Excellency Tarik Ali Khan reaffirmed Canada’s continued commitment to protecting children from polio and showed deep interest in understanding the operational challenges faced by frontline teams. He praised the dedication of thousands of women vaccinators working tirelessly across Pakistan to safeguard every child.
The visit reaffirmed the shared vision of Pakistan and Canada to achieve a polio-free future through mutual collaboration and sustained effort.
