Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has praised the continued interest and support of Bill Gates for polio eradication in Pakistan.
Nawaz expressed these views as the founder of Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation called on him on the sidelines of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a Foreign Office press release said.
Nawaz informed Gates that his government had redoubled its efforts to ensure effective implementation of the national emergency action plan to completely eradicate polio in Pakistan.
The PM shared with Bill Gates his government’s vision on science and technology promotion. He highlighted the importance of Information Technology and telecommunication sector, especially its job creation potential for the youth of Pakistan.
The government is particularly committed to increase IT-related exports, introduction of E-government Framework and establishment of Technology Parks, the PM said.
He recognised the government’s commitment to reach out to all Pakistani children with polio vaccine for the eradication of this debilitating disease.
Gates appreciated the efforts made by Pakistan in the last two years on polio eradication. He thanked the PM for sharing his vision on further strengthening Pakistan’s IT and telecommunication sector.