The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended international travel restrictions on Pakistan for another three months due to ongoing concerns over the spread of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1).
The decision was made during the 42nd meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee for Polio, which convened via video conference on 18 June. Health authorities from countries where polio is still present, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, took part in the session.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the latest developments related to WPV1 and concluded that Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to pose a high risk for international transmission of the virus. Particular concern was raised about cross-border movements between the two nations, especially through areas such as southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Quetta Block, Karachi, Peshawar, and parts of southern Afghanistan where the virus remains active.
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The WHO noted an increase in WPV1-positive environmental samples in Pakistan, particularly in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. Cities such as Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar were identified as key hotspots. A recent case of polio in Gilgit-Baltistan has further raised alarms.
The organization expressed concern over the number of children in Pakistan missing polio vaccinations, which continues to hinder eradication efforts. Despite these challenges, the WHO acknowledged the quality of Pakistan’s immunization campaigns and praised the government’s commitment, particularly at the provincial level.
The global health body warned that the 2025 target to eradicate polio may not be achievable if the virus continues to circulate at current levels. However, it expressed optimism over ongoing bilateral coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan to tackle cross-border transmission.
