Rotary –ICCI seminar highlights collective role in ending Polio from Pakistan

WNAM REPORT: The Rotary Club of Islamabad Metropolitan, in collaboration with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), organized a seminar titled “Role of Stakeholders in Polio Eradication – Pakistan” at the S.M. Muneer Auditorium of the Chamber.
Addressing the seminar as Chief Guest, ICCI Acting President Tahir Ayub lauded Rotary International and its local chapters for their tireless efforts under the End Polio Now campaign, saying that Rotary has been at the heart of this global mission, working with partners and communities to ensure every child is protected.
He said Pakistan has made remarkable progress in recent years from hundreds of cases to only a few isolated ones but reminded that even a single case is too many. “Until we reach zero, we cannot relax,” he emphasized. Tahir Ayub said the fight against polio requires the combined strength of all stakeholders, government, NGOs, business community, media, religious leaders, and citizens.
Highlighting ICCI’s perspective, he stated that a healthy nation is a productive nation, and eradicating polio is not just a health goal but an investment in Pakistan’s future. “The partnership between Rotary and ICCI demonstrates how collaboration can create real impact,” he added, reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to support advocacy and corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at achieving a polio-free Pakistan.
Earlier, Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Saeed, President of Rotary Club of Islamabad Metropolitan, in his welcome address said that Rotary International remains a key partner in the global effort to eradicate polio. He noted that the disease is now endemic in only two countries , Afghanistan and Pakistan and highlighted Rotary’s role in reducing global cases by 99.9 percent since its first vaccination campaign in 1979.
Other speakers included Dr. Tahir Abbas Malik , who discussed WHO’s role in capacity building and immunization efforts; Dr. Umer Nasir Qureshi , who outlined UNICEF’s contribution to eradicating the disease; and Dr. Kamran from the Directorate of Health Services (CDA), who appreciated Rotary’s continued commitment and the frontline workers’ efforts.
In his vote of thanks, Mian Shaukat Masood, former ICCI President and former Rotary President, now ICCI Executive Member, appreciated the dedication of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Chamber’s full support for this noble national cause.
At the end of the ceremony, prominent polio workers were honored with gifts and shields for their outstanding service. The event was attended by ICCI Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, and Executive Members Raja Naveed Satti, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Ishaq Sial, and Najeeb Ellahi Malik, among others.