Religious scholars and Ulema of the country have expressed their dismay over the persistence of polio virus in certain parts of the country. They were equally concerned about sub-optimal quality of the polio campaigns in these areas coupled with political, cultural, social as well as security related obstacles in this regard.
Haji Hanif Tayyab in a press conference, along with other religious leaders on Monday, also condemned the fake campaign undertaken by Dr Shakeel Afridi in Abbottabad couple of years back. This, they said has caused, and in certain situations aggravated, doubts and suspicions among the public about health related activities. "It, however, does not in any way justify attacks on polio workers which were strongly condemned," they said. "We declare these attacks as inhuman and non-Islamic acts as attacks and killings are against the teachings of Islam and are not acceptable at any cost," said the scholars. They urged the government to acknowledge the services of the martyrs and support the suffering families.
The scholars said it was the basic responsibility of the government to ensure peace on permanent basis in the bordering areas (KP/FATA) of Pakistan.
"This will smoothen the way for social welfare activities in these areas, moreover, will also help in conducting intensified polio drives and eradicate the disease from these areas," they said. The Ulema admired the fact that majority of the Muslim countries have eradicated polio through the same oral polio vaccine (which is being used in Pakistan).