The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended international travel restrictions on Pakistan for another three months due to ongoing transmission of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), particularly in high-risk areas.
This decision was made during the 42nd meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee for Polio, conducted virtually on June 18. Representatives from polio-affected countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, participated to assess the global spread of the virus and review national responses.
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan were identified as persistent sources of WPV1 transmission. According to WHO, the virus continues to spread across borders, especially in regions such as southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Quetta Block, southern Afghanistan, Karachi, and Peshawar. These areas remain major transmission corridors due to constant population movement and displacement.
The committee noted a surge in WPV1-positive sewage samples from various regions in Pakistan. Key provinces like KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and central Pakistan remain hotspots, with urban centers like Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar serving as strongholds for the virus. Additionally, a recent case reported from Gilgit-Baltistan raised fresh concerns.
WHO emphasized that cross-border mobility and inadequate vaccination coverage among displaced populations are significant contributors to continued WPV1 transmission. The committee also expressed concern over the number of children missing polio vaccinations, which further complicates eradication efforts.
Despite these challenges, WHO acknowledged Pakistan’s sustained efforts and visible progress in the fight against polio. It praised the commitment shown by national and provincial leadership, as well as the coordination of regional vaccination drives. The organization expressed confidence in the quality of Pakistan’s immunization campaigns and recognized the government’s ongoing efforts toward eliminating the virus.
However, the committee concluded that the 2025 target for complete polio eradication appears unlikely to be met due to the continued spread. The committee urged Pakistani authorities to strengthen surveillance, ensure consistent immunization coverage, and maintain coordination with Afghan counterparts to contain the virus effectively.
WHO called for the continuation of joint vaccination initiatives between Pakistan and Afghanistan and stressed the importance of enhanced monitoring in border areas. It also reiterated the requirement for all outbound travelers from Pakistan to receive mandatory polio vaccinations.
These travel restrictions will remain in effect for the next three months, during which WHO will closely monitor the country’s progress. A review of the situation and a reassessment of the restrictions will follow at the end of this period.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s eradication efforts and encouraged international partners to aid in addressing the logistical and operational challenges facing the national polio program.
