Border controls help slash polio cases in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Polio cases in Pakistan have dropped sharply following the government’s decision to regulate cross-border movement with Afghanistan in 2025, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against the virus. Officials say tighter controls on undocumented travel and goods movement improved monitoring mechanisms and played a key role in limiting virus transmission.

Available data shows a 59.5 percent decline in polio cases during 2025, with the virus now confined to a few specific areas. Health authorities noted that continued circulation of polio in Afghanistan and frequent population movement posed serious risks, but improved border management and the regulated return of undocumented Afghan refugees helped prevent the re-entry of the virus into Pakistan.

Pakistan launches 2026 anti-polio drive for 45 million children

Vaccination coverage among mobile populations has increased, while enhanced follow-up surveillance further strengthened eradication efforts, offering renewed optimism for Pakistan’s goal of becoming polio-free.