Islamabad, October 24, 2026: Rotary Club Islamabad Metropolitan (RCIM), in collaboration with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Youth Catalyst Pakistan (YCP), organized a World Polio Day 2026 Recognition and Advocacy Seminar to honour frontline polio workers and strengthen efforts to achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
Held at Munawar Mughal Hall, ICCI, the event brought together more than 100 frontline polio workers, UNICEF social mobilizers, Rotarians, ICCI members and representatives of partner organizations.
ICCI President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia attended the seminar as the chief guest and emphasized the need for intensified and sustained efforts to eradicate polio. He appreciated the contributions of all stakeholders, particularly Rotary, towards achieving this national objective.
Expressing concern over the polio situation in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where four cases had been reported, he stressed the importance of continued vigilance, effective coordination and comprehensive vaccination campaigns to protect children against the crippling disease.
Acknowledging the invaluable services of frontline vaccination teams, the ICCI president distributed certificates of appreciation among polio workers in recognition of their dedication and commitment. He reaffirmed the business community’s support for initiatives aimed at safeguarding children’s health and achieving the national goal of polio eradication.
RCIM President Mian Shaukat Masud delivered the welcome address and thanked ICCI for its collaboration and support in organizing the seminar.
RCIM Polio Chair Tayyaba Gul, who moderated the proceedings, highlighted Rotary’s contributions to polio eradication efforts in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during 2026, including support for immunization centres, frontline workers and community engagement initiatives.
Dr. Israr ul Haq, representing the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), briefed participants on Pakistan’s polio situation, reporting seven cases in 2026. He emphasized the need for sustained efforts, effective coordination and continued vigilance to achieve eradication.
A UNICEF presentation highlighted the importance of Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC), engagement with religious leaders and targeted community outreach to address misconceptions contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
Dr. Nida Ali, representing the World Health Organization (WHO), outlined the organization’s role in supporting Pakistan’s polio eradication programme and acknowledged the contributions of Rotary, ICCI, YCP and frontline vaccination teams.
Past District Governor Masoor Sheikh also shared his views, emphasizing collective action and community participation as essential to eliminating polio.
Sadaf Asim Abbasi, representing the ICCI Executive Committee, thanked the participants and organizers and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration to achieve a polio-free Islamabad and Pakistan.
The seminar was also attended by Admiral (Retd.) Shahid Qureshi, Majid Qureshi, Aml, members of the ICCI Executive Committee, senior members and business community representatives. The participants reiterated their support for sustained efforts to eradicate polio from the country.
