DLP Report
DI KHAN
Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, has underscored the importance of polio eradication as a national responsibility, emphasizing that any negligence in the execution of polio vaccination campaigns will not be tolerated.
Speaking during a meeting at the Commissioner’s Office in Dera Ismail Khan, he directed officials to ensure that vaccination targets are met and that every child under the age of five receives the anti-polio drops during each campaign.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive vaccination strategy that includes updated patterns and model changes to ensure all children are reached, particularly those in remote areas.
CS-KP noted the alarming rise in recent polio cases in DI..Khan and Tank districts, where children were only brought to health centers after showing symptoms of weakness. He highlighted that polio, being a virus with no cure except early vaccination, requires prompt action from both parents and health teams to prevent long-term disabilities.
The CS also advocated for the continuation of “catch-up” activities alongside regular anti-polio campaigns, ensuring that children who missed vaccination opportunities are reached. He called for all immunization services to be available at fixed points for easier access and urged parents to ensure their children receive the anti-polio drops during every campaign.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary received a briefing on the performance of various departments, including education, health, and tourism, and issued instructions to improve the quality of education and expand tourism initiatives in the province.
He expressed concern over the 16 reported polio cases in D.I. Khan division—11 in Dera Ismail Khan and 5 in Tank—stressing the need for better planning, especially in areas with missed union councils.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Akhtar Hayat Khan, also spoke, emphasizing the rise in demand-based refusals to the vaccination teams. He called for strict control over this issue, noting that polio vaccination is a national duty that should not be hindered by additional conditions. The IGP also reassured that resources were being allocated to ensure the safety of anti-polio teams and improve the overall security situation.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary urged local religious leaders, including Imams, to include messages about the dangers of polio and the effectiveness of vaccination in their sermons. He also directed the use of social media to spread awareness about the polio virus. He further instructed that any instances of fake fingerprinting during the campaigns be addressed with strict action.
Following the meeting, the Chief Secretary and IGP visited the Police Training School in D.I.KHAN, where they inspected ongoing projects aimed at improving facilities for police personnel, including rest houses, residences, and training grounds.
