Bill Gates meets PM Imran during first-ever Pakistan visit

ISLAMABAD – Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Thursday.

Matters related to polio eradication, covid vaccination, IT projects and other issues were discussed in meeting.

Earlier in the day, Bill Gates reached Islamabad on a one-day visit to Pakistan for the first time.

Gates along with his delegation visited to the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) where he met forum chairman Asad Umar and PM’s aide on health Dr. Faisal Sultan.

He appreciated Pakistan’s success against Covid-19 despite resource constraints and introducing excellent initiatives and measures for public health safety.

Later, Bill Gates along with his delegation attended NCOC morning session. The delegation was apprised about NCOC’s role and methodology, achievements since the start of the pandemic, the recent Covid -19 situation across Pakistan and various NPIs placed by NCOC  to control disease spread and ensure public safety and wellbeing. A comprehensive review of Pakistan’s efforts against Covid-19 was presented to visiting delegation.

The visiting delegation was also briefed on genome sequencing ( prevalence of various variants in the country ).

Bill Gates took a keen interest in various initiatives by NCOC  particularly smart lockdown and micro smart lockdown strategy enforcement measures.

The visiting officials were also briefed about Pakistan’s vaccine administration regime, which enabled NCOC to formulate and implement a comprehensive Covid response.

Bill Gates shared his views on Covid-19, particularly vaccination drive.

Asad Umar, who also holds the portfolio of planning minister, acknowledged the efforts of Bill Gates and his foundation to support Covid -19 initiatives in Pakistan.