KHAR/LAKKI MARWAT: The officials on Wednesday convinced people of some localities in Bajaur and Lakki Marwat districts to end boycott of the anti-polio campaigns and not link vaccination of children with resolution of their problems.

A statement issued by Bajaur deputy commissioner Usman Mehsud said the people of Asil Targaoo, a remote area in Barang tehsil, agreed to allow vaccination of their children after successful talks between the local elders and a team of officials.

The officials told the elders that anti-polio drive was a national cause and it was only meant to keep children safe from the crippling disease. They said the district administration was determined to rid the tribal district of poliovirus by vaccinating all the targeted children, and told the elders that no one would be allowed to create hurdles.

After the announcement, 50 children were administered anti-polio drops.

Meanwhile, Lakki administration officials convinced the residents of Nali Chak and Shakh Quli Khan localities to end boycott of the vaccination drive. They had boycotted the anti-polio campaign, arguing that their areas were hit hard by excessive power outages and the authorities concerned were not resolving the problem. They complained that the Pesco authorities did not fulfill promises to reduce duration of power outages.

Deputy commissioner Abdul Haseeb had tasked Naurang additional assistant commissioner Aminullah Khan with visiting the rural areas and holding meetings with the elders and villagers.

Mr Aminullah convinced the residents of rural areas on immunisation of their children against the crippling disease.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2020