Abu Dhabi, December 9, 2025: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday represented Pakistan at the “High-Level Pledging Moment for Polio Eradication,” hosted by the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Addressing the gathering, the minister conveyed Pakistan’s deep gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering commitment to protecting millions of children from polio and for fostering a partnership built on trust, humanity and shared purpose, according to a news release.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal underscored that eradicating polio in Pakistan is a moral obligation and a solemn duty owed to future generations, adding that the country is pursuing this goal with unity, determination and national resolve.
Highlighting progress made so far, he said Pakistan has brought virus circulation to its lowest level in decades, with vaccination quality continuously improving, surveillance systems at their strongest, and community trust steadily increasing.
The minister noted that the country’s unified political leadership, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has made polio eradication a top national priority and has integrated polio infrastructure into broader health sector reforms under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
Reaffirming the importance of global partnerships, Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged the continued support of the UAE, the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and all GPEI partners.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s frontline polio workers, the minister described them as heroic women and men who travel across mountains, deserts and rivers—often under difficult conditions—to ensure every child is vaccinated. He said their courage remains the backbone of Pakistan’s eradication efforts.
In a major announcement, Professor Ahsan Iqbal declared that Pakistan is pledging $639.54 million over the next four years to help secure a polio-free future. He said the commitment reflects Pakistan’s ownership, resolve and dedication to completing the polio eradication mission.
On the sidelines of the event, the minister also met Bill Gates, reiterating Pakistan’s firm commitment to eliminating polio and conveying the prime minister’s message of appreciation for Gates’ invaluable contributions to Pakistan’s polio eradication drive.
