Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi on Wednesday chaired a meeting with deputy commissioners (DCs) and district health officers to review the arrangements for the forthcoming polio eradication campaign.
The meeting decided that the campaign would start on April 13 and run for a week, targeting over 2.5 million under-five children. Moreover, 23,000 polio workers, 7,000 security officials and 500 female police constables will be deployed.
Commissioner Polio Task Force Coordinator Saud Yaqub briefed the meeting on the campaign. The meeting decided to take special measures in high-risk union councils (UCs). Naqvi stressed improving sanitation because it would help eradicate the poliovirus. A handout issued by the commissioner’s office said Naqvi had recently visited high-risk UCs and ordered taking effective measures.
The meeting was told that two of the environmental samples collected had tested positive for the poliovirus, while 10 of the environmental samples had tested negative. The meeting decided that the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board would take special sanitation measures in high-risk areas. Naqvi ordered the DCs to focus on vaccinating missed and refusal cases, ensuring that the campaign’s target is met.
Commissioner Naqvi also ordered the DCs to take action against roadside encroachments, the illegal sale of unsafe LPG and professional beggars in their respective districts. Assistant commissioners are taking daily actions on various civic issues. According to District East DC Nasrullah Abbasi’s report, AC Javeria Ashraf arrested 20 professional beggars in the Ferozabad sub-division.
According to District Malir DC Samiullah Sheikh’s report, AC Abdul Basit took action against two shops over the illegal sale of LPG in the Airport subdivision, fining the owners Rs10,000 for SOP violations.
According to District Central DC Taha Saleem’s report, North Nazimabad AC Humair Ahmed took action against encroachments at Iqbal Plaza near Nagan Chowrangi. Naqvi directed the DCs to continue efforts to improve traffic flow, remove encroachments and prevent illegal parking. He also told them to curb professional begging, ensuring they are not seen around intersections and markets.
