**ISLAMABAD: Pakistan would soon achieve the status of a polio-free country, said Jennifer Jones, the president of Rotary International, adding that the humanitarian organisation was committed to contributing to the cause until the world becomes safe from the crippling disease.

“Rotary’s PolioPlus investment in Pakistan for polio eradication is $353.8 million and overall its global contribution has been around $2.5 billion,” she told reporters here at a local hotel on Saturday.

She thanked the government, media and civil society for supporting the polio eradication programme.

Rotary International Director Mohammad Faiz Kidwai, Rotary Foundation Trustee Aziz Memon, and Media Coordinator Imran Gaznavi were also present.

Jennifer, who is the founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc, said that Rotary was working in more than 200 countries of the world. “RI’s 1.4 million members are constantly striving to improve the lives of their communities and the people of the country.”

She said Rotary was dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world. “Rotarians all over the world are involved to undertake projects in seven areas of focus which includes peace-building and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development and environmental sustainability & climate change.”

Jennifer, while appreciating the performance of Rotary in Pakistan, said whether its an earthquake situation or flood disaster, the organisation has always stepped forward and played a role in providing relief to the victims and their rehabilitation.

“Rotary Pakistan has distributed around 25,000 shelter boxes/tents donated by Rotary in the UK. ‘Rotary Jo Goth’ was the best project for the rehabilitation of the victims of earth quick in Pakistan, in which 160 houses along with a sustainable infrastructure were built and given to the underprivileged and homeless victims with ownership rights.”

She appreciated her organisation’s role in Total Literacy and Quality Education where almost each of the 500 clubs in Pakistan was involved to eliminate illiteracy in Pakistan. She also lauded the 2,500 congenital heart surgeries jointly undertaken for children in Pakistan and India.

“The project of artificial limbs under Rotary in Pakistan is also performing significant services. Under this project, disabled people are enabled to play an active role in society. Similarly, Rotary is also doing significant services in the field of education,” she said.

“Now it is time to start new welfare projects with a new commitment from the platform of Rotary in Pakistan,” she said.