Speaking to the media on the occasion, Kamal said false propaganda about the HPV vaccine had no basis.

“Just as my daughter is dear to me, the daughters of this nation are equally precious,” he stressed.

He pointed out that more than 150 countries had already introduced HPV vaccination and Pakistan had become the 151st.

“Prevention is always better than cure. It is our duty to protect our people from diseases,” he said.

The health minister acknowledged that his family had never appeared before cameras but added that he personally insisted his daughter receive the vaccine in public to set an example.

Kamal urged critics to “correct themselves instead of misleading the nation,” emphasising that the HPV vaccine is a shield of protection, not a matter for controversy.