Pakistan Polio Drive Postponed Till Next Week

Islamabad: A four-day drive against polio scheduled to be launched in Pakistan's Sindh province had to be postponed until November due to the refusal by police to provide security to polio workers, the media reported today.

Displeased with the police for not providing security to polio teams in and around Gulberg town, where the only polio case in the city was reported early this month, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah ordered the authorities concerned to ensure that 3,000 policemen escort the volunteers for the drive that was rescheduled for November 3, Dawn online reported.

Mr Shah summoned the officials involved in the campaign against the crippling virus along with senior police hierarchy to discuss the situation arising out of the unavailability of police to safeguard the four-day "mop-up" campaign, which was planned to begin on Wednesday.

"I want you to ensure security of the polio teams but also make sure that they are duly provided with lunch and transport for which funds have been provided to the project director of the polio eradication programme," the chief minister said.