Islamabad: The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to expand the travel sanctions on Pakistan for one and three months due to concerns over polio, stated by Eri News.
The decision was taken during the 41st meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee held on 6 March. Officials of polio affected countries almost participated in the meeting.
According to the WHO, the committee reviewed the government’s efforts to control the global spread of polio, the situation in Pakistan and the spread of the virus.
The conclusions of the committee states that Pakistan and Afghanistan polio efforts are being made globally. Both countries have been held responsible for the global spread of polioovirus.
The WHO expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s anti -polio initiative. However, the committee insisted that there is still a place to improve the provincial and district level, Eri News said.
Recently, polio positive environmental samples in Pakistan have increased, with 12 times the cases reported between 2023 and 2024. In 2025, 628 polio positive environmental samples have been reported in Pakistan in 2025
The active circulation of the YB3A4A B-cluster of Poliovirus in Pakistan, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan provinces, is a concern. Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta Wild polioirus has become hotspots for type 1 (WPV1), which is spread over the central parts of Pakistan and Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Who expressed concern over the spread of WPV1 in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasized that the virus is now limited to two countries globally. The organization raised questions about vaccination standards in Pakistan, especially given the spread of viruses during the low transmission season and anticipated increase in cases during the high transmission period.
Eri News reported that the WHO has called Pakistan to ensure effective campaigns in weak areas and mentioned that transmission between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues from across the border, especially from the Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Quetta regions, told Eri News.
The movement of displaced individuals and refugees spreads. The committee improved vaccination efforts on the border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan and emphasized the need for strong bilateral cooperation.
So far, in 2025, six confirmed polio cases have been reported in Pakistan, with one in Thata, one, one in Sindh, four and National Kul six have been brought to six. Last year, 74 polio cases were reported in Pakistan. (AI)
