Pakistan's first polio vaccine was administered to Aseefa Bhutto, claims Bilawal

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating polio from the country on World Polio Day today (October 24).

"The historic struggle to eradicate polio from Pakistan was started by my mother, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto," he said while talking to media on Thursday.

During the presser, Bilawal claimed that his sister, Aseefa Bhutto, was the first child to receive the polio vaccine in Pakistan.

Bilawal expressed concern over the 40 polio cases reported this year, highlighting the need for collective action.

"We must stand together to ensure no child suffers from polio," he stressed.

Terming the anti-polio campaign a "national mission," Bilawal vowed to continue his mother's legacy, promising a polio-free Pakistan for future generations.

On the other hand, the poliovirus continues to spread, with the latest case reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This year, Pakistan has seen 40 cases, with Balochistan accounting for half. Sindh follows with 12 cases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with six, and Punjab and Islamabad with one case each.

"We will follow the principles of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and ensure a polio-free Pakistan," Bilawal reiterated.