At the 78th World Health Assembly, Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda and expressed strong support for the newly adopted pandemic agreement aimed at strengthening international preparedness and response.
Speaking to a gathering of global health leaders, Pakistan acknowledged WHO’s pivotal role in advancing global health and commended the collaborative efforts of Member States and the intergovernmental negotiation body in formulating the agreement.
“Despite formidable challenges, Pakistan has made measurable progress in reducing preventable maternal and child mortality, increasing immunization coverage, and effectively responding to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis,” the Pakistani delegation noted.
Polio eradication remains a top national priority. Pakistan reaffirmed its confidence in achieving a polio-free future through high-quality campaigns, robust community engagement, and continued support from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
The delegation also used the platform to raise grave concerns over ongoing regional humanitarian and public health crises. Pakistan strongly condemned the continued Israeli aggression in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, citing the deliberate targeting of hospitals and health workers as a gross violation of international humanitarian norms. “This genocidal campaign must stop immediately,” the statement emphasized.
Pakistan further called the Assembly’s attention to recent hostile actions by India, including attacks that resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of a government dispensary in Pakistan. Of particular concern was India's alleged weaponization of water, which poses a severe threat to Pakistan’s public health and food security.
“The Indus River system is vital—it provides safe drinking water, irrigates 80% of our crops, and powers our hospitals, industries, and homes,” the delegation warned. “Weaponizing water and targeting civilian health infrastructure are flagrant breaches of international law and a direct assault on the fundamental right to health.”
The Government of Pakistan called on the international health community to hold India accountable for endangering the health and well-being of over 240 million people.
