Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to achieving the shared goal of a polio-free nation, stating that the eradication campaign continues to receive the highest level of state patronage.
Talking to a delegation of the Gates Foundation in Islamabad, the prime minister commended the foundation's enduring partnership and invaluable support in addressing Pakistan's developmental and public health challenges. The visiting delegation included Gates Foundation representatives Kalpana Kochhar and Anita Zaidi.
PM Shehbaz highlighted that the philanthropic organization has played a commendable role not only in eradicating polio but also in advancing healthcare, nutrition, financial inclusion, and the welfare of society's vulnerable segments.
The premier underscored that key governance and reform priorities - including digital payments, food security, maternal and newborn health, poverty alleviation, and climate change resilience - remain at the core of the government's agenda. "A cashless economy is a fundamental component of the Government of Pakistan's transformation agenda," he remarked, adding that the initiative aims to simplify the lives of ordinary citizens, enhance administrative transparency, and ensure public funds reach deserving beneficiaries without delay or leakage.
Noting the tangible outcomes of joint efforts between Islamabad and the foundation, the prime minister pointed to a noticeable surge in digital transactions. He stressed that financial assistance must reach deserving women directly, securely, and with dignity, expressing a strong desire to expand cooperation with the Gates Foundation on targeted initiatives for women's economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
Both sides exchanged views on further cementing bilateral cooperation and expanding the scope of their partnership. Earlier in the day, the delegation also held separate meetings with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, among others.