PM Shehbaz Sharif and Bill Gates discuss Pakistan’s polio eradication campaign and broader cooperation in health, agriculture, digital innovation and emerging technologies.
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates in New York, with discussions focusing on Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and opportunities to expand cooperation in health, agriculture, digital innovation and emerging technologies.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Gates Foundation’s continued support for Pakistan, particularly in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitalisation and financial inclusion.
The prime minister also referred to the foundation team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month, highlighting the importance of its long-standing partnership with the country.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to completely eliminate polio and said the government remained firmly committed to achieving that goal. He thanked the Gates Foundation for its sustained assistance to Pakistan’s polio programme and expressed his personal commitment to ending the disease.
Bill Gates praises Pakistan’s polio efforts
Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts to eradicate polio under the prime minister’s leadership and stressed the importance of eliminating the disease to protect future generations from a preventable illness.
Gates also praised the guidance provided by Shehbaz Sharif to provincial governments in support of the nationwide polio vaccination programme.
Pakistan remains among the countries where poliovirus continues to pose a public-health challenge, making sustained vaccination and coordinated efforts important to preventing its spread.
Talks expand beyond health
The discussions also covered areas beyond polio. Shehbaz Sharif described the Gates Foundation as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s social and economic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
The prime minister briefed Gates on reforms being pursued in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The reforms focus on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and strengthening farmers’ capacity.
The two sides also explored potential cooperation in improved seed development, genetic enhancement of livestock and emerging agricultural technologies.
The discussion reflected Pakistan’s efforts to use technology and scientific innovation to address challenges in healthcare and agriculture while improving productivity and supporting long-term development.
Invitation to visit Pakistan
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif recalled Bill Gates’ previous visit to Pakistan and invited him to return to the country soon.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and expanding their partnership in areas linked to sustainable development, technological progress and social-sector improvement.
The New York meeting comes as Pakistan continues to seek international partnerships in healthcare, technology and agriculture while maintaining its campaign to protect children from polio.
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