Polio virus found in Karachi, Lahore sewage water

ISLAMABAD: The polio virus has been found in sewage water in Karachi and Lahore, World Health Organisation (WHO) sources revealed on Tuesday.

According to WHO sources, sewage samples taken from Gaddap Town, Machar Colony, Khameso Goth and Gulshan-e-Iqbal areas of Karachi and from Lahore’s Outfall pumping station had traces of the polio virus.

Sources added that for the first time traces of the polio virus were not found in samples of sewage water from Islamabad and Peshawar.

Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and travel restriction recommendations of the WHO were debated in the National Assembly. A resolution to increase efforts to eradicate polio was presented in the National Assembly by State Minister Saira Afzal who said that the drone and Shakil Afridi issues could no longer be used as excuses.

Saira Afzal called for the formation of an anti-polio committee and all parliamentarians should be responsible for vaccinations being administered in their respective constituencies.

MNA Shahida Rehmani recommended that action should be taken against parents who refuse to administer the vaccination to their children. The resolution was approved by the National Assembly.