In a significant development highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates on Monday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh. The meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in combating polio and advancing various socio-economic initiatives.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Bill Gates, the co-chair of BMGF, for his supportive message upon the prime minister’s re-election. Fondly recalling their previous interactions, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed his dedication to fostering a robust partnership between Pakistan and BMGF.
Pakistan’s relentless efforts to eradicate polio were a focal point of the discussion, with PM Shehbaz emphasising the country’s unwavering commitment to this cause. He commended the longstanding support of BMGF in the fight against polio and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to achieve the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Bill Gates, acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts, highlighted the critical role of polio eradication in safeguarding future generations from the debilitating effects of the disease. He specifically praised the immunisation and polio vaccine programme implemented in Punjab under Shehbaz’s leadership as chief minister and advocated for replicating this successful model nationwide to bolster immunisation efforts.
Beyond polio eradication, the discussion encompassed progress on ongoing initiatives between Pakistan and BMGF in crucial areas such as immunisation, nutrition, and financial inclusion. PM Shehbaz emphasised BMGF’s role as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed interest in expanding collaboration to encompass fields like IT, STEM education, and disaster management.
Reflecting on Gates’ previous visit to Pakistan in February 2022, PM Shehbaz extended an invitation for him to visit Pakistan again at his convenience, further strengthening the bilateral partnership between Pakistan and BMGF.