PM Shehbaz, Bill Gates Discuss Polio Eradication and Wider Development Cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gates Foundation chairman Bill Gates have discussed Pakistan's campaign to eradicate polio and opportunities to expand cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and emerging technologies.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's commitment to eliminating polio and thanked the Gates Foundation for its longstanding support for the national eradication programme.

Polio campaign remains central

The prime minister acknowledged the foundation's work with Pakistan in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitisation and financial inclusion. He described the partnership as an important contribution to the country's wider social and economic development.

Gates recognised Pakistan's continuing effort to eliminate polio and stressed that eradication is essential to protecting future generations. He also noted the prime minister's guidance to provincial governments in support of the nationwide vaccination programme.

Pakistan's campaign depends on coordination among federal and provincial authorities, front-line vaccination teams and international partners. The discussion in New York underlined the need to sustain that cooperation until transmission is stopped and vaccination coverage is maintained across vulnerable communities.

Cooperation beyond public health

Shehbaz expressed interest in broadening the partnership into areas where technology, research and innovation could support long-term development. The two sides discussed possible cooperation in agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

The conversation reflected the government's effort to connect international partnerships with practical challenges facing Pakistan. Digital systems can support public services and financial inclusion, while research and new technology may help improve productivity in sectors that employ large parts of the population.

Agriculture and climate resilience

The prime minister briefed Gates on reforms being pursued in agriculture, with an emphasis on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and capacity-building for farmers. Both sides agreed to explore cooperation on improved seeds, livestock genetics and emerging agricultural technologies.

These areas are directly linked to food security and farm productivity. Better seed development, stronger livestock performance and access to reliable research can help farmers respond to changing weather patterns and rising input costs. The discussions did not announce a new programme, but they identified subjects for further engagement.

Technology as a development tool

The broader agenda also placed digital innovation and artificial intelligence within Pakistan's development priorities. The meeting considered how scientific knowledge and emerging tools might contribute to health, agriculture and other social-sector outcomes.

Any future cooperation would build on the foundation's existing relationship with Pakistan rather than replace the immediate focus on polio. The discussion nevertheless showed that both sides see room to apply lessons from large public-health programmes to other areas requiring data, coordination and research.

Invitation to visit Pakistan

Shehbaz invited Gates to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, recalling his previous engagement with the country. The two sides reaffirmed their intention to maintain constructive contact and strengthen partnerships supporting sustainable development and technological progress.

The meeting kept polio eradication at the centre of the relationship while opening a wider conversation about agriculture, health and technology. Follow-up work will determine which ideas move into concrete programmes, but the discussion signalled interest on both sides in extending a longstanding partnership into new development fields.