Islamabad (October 15, 2025) — A shocking revelation has emerged that millions of children across Pakistan were deprived of polio vaccination during the latest national immunization campaign.

According to details obtained by ARY News, the Sub-National Polio Eradication Campaign failed to meet its complete target, achieving only 98% coverage nationwide.

Sub-National Polio Campaign Report Highlights

The campaign was conducted from September 1 to 7 across 81 targeted districts of Pakistan. According to sources, Gilgit-Baltistan led the campaign with 101% coverage, while Punjab recorded the lowest performance with 97% coverage.

In other regions, Islamabad, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir each achieved 98% coverage.

However, 422,152 children across the country remained unvaccinated. Out of these, approximately 355,000 children were unavailable during vaccination drives, while 19,403 missed out due to security issues or public boycotts.

Breakdown of Missed Vaccinations by Region

• Sindh: 216,881 children missed vaccination

• Punjab: 82,792 children

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 68,529 children

• Balochistan: 47,335 children

• Islamabad: 5,098 children

• Azad Kashmir: 647 children

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 870 children

The report also revealed that 47,793 cases of vaccine boycotts were documented nationwide, reflecting deep-rooted mistrust and misinformation in certain communities

Concerns Over Gaps in Polio Eradication

Despite Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, experts warn that these coverage gaps could reverse progress and increase the risk of new outbreaks. Health authorities have vowed to intensify awareness campaigns and address vaccine hesitancy in underserved regions.

FAQs — Polio Campaign in Pakistan 2025

Q1: When was the latest polio campaign held in Pakistan?
A: The campaign took place from September 1 to 7, 2025, across 81 selected districts.

Q2: Which region performed the best in polio vaccination coverage?
A: Gilgit-Baltistan topped the list with 101% coverage.

Q3: Which province recorded the lowest vaccination rate?
A: Punjab had the lowest coverage at 97%.

Q4: How many children missed polio vaccination nationwide?
A: Around 422,152 children remained unvaccinated during the campaign.

Q5: What were the main reasons for missed vaccinations?
A: Security issues, boycotts, and children being unavailable during visits were the primary reasons.

Q6: How many vaccine boycott cases were reported?
A: Approximately 47,793 boycott cases were recorded during the sub-national campaign.