ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan recorded significant progress in its fight against polio, with the number of cases coming down sharply in 2025, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
Official data shows that only 30 polio cases were reported in 2025, compared with 74 cases recorded last year.
According to the NEOC, no new polio case was reported anywhere in the country since September this year.
It further noted that no polio case was reported in Balochistan and Punjab for more than a year, reflecting improved surveillance and sustained vaccination efforts in the two provinces.
As per the NEOC, six countrywide anti-polio campaigns were successfully conducted during 2025. In the most recent campaign, more than 98% of targeted children were administered drops, the NEOC said, calling it a great effort by frontline health workers operating in challenging conditions.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic. Of the 30 cases reported in 2025, the highest number was reported from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with 19 cases.
Just six polio cases were reported in 2023
In contrast, just six cases were reported nationwide in 2023, before the outbreak in 2024.
The Polio Eradication Initiative has accelerated its operations to ensure comprehensive coverage and high-quality vaccination campaigns, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable areas.
