First polio case of 2025 reported in Gilgit-Baltistan, raising alarm nationwide

Gilgit-Baltistan confirms first polio case of 2025 as Pakistan’s tally rises to 11

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fight against polio faced a new challenge as Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) reported its first case of wild poliovirus in 2025, bringing the country’s total to 11 cases this year. Health authorities have confirmed the detection in a 23-month-old child in Tangir area of Diamer district, raising concerns about the continued circulation of the virus.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, through its Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication, verified the presence of wild poliovirus in the affected child. This is the first-ever confirmed case of polio in GB, previously considered a polio-free region.

Virus strain linked to Karachi

According to GB Health Secretary Asifullah Khan, the child had not traveled outside the area, but genetic testing confirmed the poliovirus strain originated from Liaquatabad, Karachi. Although the child had reportedly received routine oral polio drops, critical birth-dose vaccines were missed, exposing immunization gaps in early life care.

“We have not made a public announcement yet, but the virus has been officially confirmed,” said the health secretary.

Polio campaign covers 45 million children

The detection comes just after the third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025, which concluded on June 1. Over 45 million children under five were vaccinated across 159 districts, including high-risk zones. The campaign aimed to curb virus transmission and increase immunity coverage, particularly in historically vulnerable areas.

The polio eradication program reaffirmed its message to all parents:

“Every child must receive multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine to stay protected. There's no cure for polio—only prevention.”

Pakistan remains polio-endemic

Pakistan remains one of only two polio-endemic countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan. The country’s polio eradication efforts continue to face hurdles such as:

• Security concerns in high-risk regions
• Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy
• Gaps in routine immunization coverage

In 2024, more than 70 polio cases were reported, and the virus was detected in over 90 districts, according to national data.

Earlier this year, a targeted injectable polio vaccine (IPV-OPV) campaign was conducted in Karachi and Quetta in February, reaching around one million children.

Medical experts warn that unless vaccine coverage improves, the virus could regain a foothold in previously safe areas. Health officials urge parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure every child receives timely and complete immunization.

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