Five polio cases detected in northwest Pakistan

Five more polio cases were detected in three different areas of North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Bannu, Geo News reported on late Tuesday night. The National Institute of Health has also confirmed that five children were affected by the polio virus. Identities of the patients were yet to be known. The new cases set alarms bells ringing for Islamabad as they coincide with a meeting of WHOs health committee in Geneva where a report into polio situation in Pakistan was presented, triggering fears of travel ban on Islamabad. The report was produced by Aysha Raza, focal person for anti-polio campaign, who told Geo News that a rigorous anti-polio drive was being run to cope with the crippling disease despite deteriorating law and order situation and ailing economy. She, however, expressed the hope that considering Pakistan’s problems the international community will not impose travel bans. Mrs Raza said if imposed the ban would be for a brief period.