Talking to reporters during administering polio drops to the children on the third day of anti-polio campaign in Najaf Colony, Imam Bargah Bazaar, Allama Iqbal Town areas on Wednesday he said, "If polio drops would not be administered to every child then this fatal virus can disable any child forever."

He said that January 23 will be the catch-up day during which missing and not available children will be vaccinated. He said that full security will be provided to the polio workers in the sensitive areas during every anti-polio campaign and on the orders of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, chief secretary has already issued directions to all the DCOs and DPOs to ensure proper security for this purpose.

Salman Rafique said that he himself visiting the areas along with polio teams for the encouragement of health workers. He said that people, government and other institutions have joined hands to foil the nefarious designs of terrorists. He further said that WHO and other international partners declared Peshawar the most affected area of polio virus due to which special arrangements have been made for administering polio drops on the transit points in Punjab. He expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives by the terrorists during polio campaign in Karachi.

He praised the humanitarian spirit and dedication of polio workers who are participating in anti-polio campaign with courage and enthusiasm despite threats of terrorism. Salman Rafique reiterated that polio campaign would continue and hoped that by the grace of Almighty Allah, 2014 will be polio-free year for Pakistan.

Source: Business Recorder