PM Shehbaz orders targeted anti-polio push for KP hotspots

• Premier tells global health partners polio eradication remains a top national priority requiring accelerated joint efforts

• Directs authorities to adopt a more effective strategy for persistent transmission hotspots in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Delegation of POB includes representatives of Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, WHO, UNICEF and Gavi

• International partners commend Pakistan’s progress and reaffirm support for country’s eradication campaign

• Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan remain only two countries where wild poliovirus still endemic

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed health authorities to adopt a more effective strategy for polio hotspots in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), reaffirming the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating the disease during talks with senior representatives of key global health organizations supporting Pakistan's anti-polio campaign.

The directive came during a meeting with a seven-member delegation of the Polio Oversight Board, comprising representatives of Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi and other partner organizations backing Pakistan's polio eradication programme.

"Polio eradication is an important national priority and all stakeholders should further accelerate their joint efforts," Prime Minister Shehbaz was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

A delegation of Polio Oversight Board calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Islamabad, 7 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/WISfM13J92

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 7, 2026

The prime minister specifically directed the authorities to pay "special attention to polio hotspots in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adopt an effective strategy to address them," underscoring the need for focused interventions in areas where transmission continues to pose a challenge.

Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan remain the only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus remains endemic.

اسلام آباد: 7 جولائی 2026.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے پولیو نگرانی بورڈ (Polio Oversight Board) کے 7 رکنی وفد کی آج اسلام آباد میں ملاقات ہوئی.

وفد میں روٹری کے پولیو اوورسائیٹ بورڈ کے چیئر مائیک میکگورن (Mike McGovern)، گیٹس فاؤنڈیشن کے گلوبل ڈیویلپمنٹ کے صدر کرس ایلائیس… pic.twitter.com/jHb686SlVk

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 7, 2026

Although the virus has been detected in different parts of Pakistan, health authorities have identified southern KP as one of the country's most persistent transmission zones due to militant violence and parental refusals, prompting the prime minister to call for a more targeted and effective response in the region.

Pakistan has reported three polio cases so far this year — one each in Sujawal, Bannu and North Waziristan — after recording 31 cases in 2025.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے پولیو نگرانی بورڈ (Polio Oversight Board) کے 7 رکنی وفد کی ملاقات

وفد میں روٹری کے پولیو اوورسائٹ بورڈ کے چیئر مائیک میکگورن (Mike McGovern)، گیٹس فاؤنڈیشن کے گلوبل ڈیولپمنٹ کے صدر کرس ایلائیس (Chris Elias)، ریجنل ڈائریکٹر WHO EMRO ڈاکٹر حنان بلخی… pic.twitter.com/eU9WkK6OJ8

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 7, 2026

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked Pakistan's international partners for their continued technical and financial support in the country's efforts to eliminate polio.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the delegation appreciated the government's progress towards achieving a polio-free Pakistan and commended the ongoing nationwide eradication efforts.

PM orders easier SME financing to spur exports, economic growth

In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the relevant authorities to make financing more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost exports, investment and economic growth, as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the formation of a dedicated task force to expand bank lending to the sector.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on SME Sector. Islamabad, 7 July 2026. pic.twitter.com/2FTwYpdH40

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 7, 2026

The parallel initiatives reflect the government's renewed focus on addressing one of the biggest challenges confronting Pakistan's SME sector, which accounts for more than 90 per cent of businesses, contributes an estimated 40 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), generates around one-quarter of exports and employs approximately 78 per cent of the non-agricultural workforce.

Despite its significant contribution to the economy, SMEs receive only about 6 to 7 per cent of private-sector credit, according to a 2023 study by the Competition Commission of Pakistan.

اسلام آباد: 7 جولائی 2026.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے سمیڈا (SMEDA) پر جائزہ اجلاس میں ملکی برآمدات میں اضافے کیلئے چھوٹے اور درمیانے درجے کی صنعتوں (SMEs) کو قرضوں کی فراہمی میں سہولیات فراہم کرنے کی ہدایت کی.

اجلاس میں مزید ہدایات دیتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ چھوٹے اور… pic.twitter.com/HvN5vOhdwE

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) July 7, 2026

"The prime minister directed that a comprehensive strategy be prepared with the State Bank and commercial banks to improve SMEs' access to financing," the PMO said after Mr Sharif chaired a meeting to review the performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).

The prime minister also instructed officials to encourage

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا سمیڈا (SMEDA) کے حوالے سے جائزہ اجلاس

وزیرِ اعظم کی ایس ایم ایز کی قرضوں تک رسائی کیلئے اسٹیٹ بینک اور کمرشل بینکوں کے ساتھ مل کر ایک جامع لائحہ عمل مرتب کرنے کی ہدایت۔

اجلاس کو سمیڈا کی جانب سے ایس ایم ایز کی سہولت کیلئے مختلف اقدامات پر بریفنگ دی… pic.twitter.com/K1zekNnIDK

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 7, 2026

commercial banks to introduce dedicated lending products for SMEs, facilitate businesses in preparing feasibility studies and support young entrepreneurs, including women, in establishing small and medium-sized enterprises.

Separately, addressing the Pakistan Banking Summit 2026 in Karachi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the establishment of an SME Finance Task Force to improve credit availability for the sector.

"The Task Force will be led by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) with senior representation from the Pakistan Banks' Association (PBA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), chambers of commerce and industry, and the Ministry of Finance," he told the conference.

Both the prime minister and the finance minister underscored the critical role of improved access to finance for SMEs in enhancing exports, stimulating investment and sustaining long-term economic growth.