ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has certified 100 of fatwas in support of polio vaccination.
According to the document issued by the CII, the council’s top body collectively decided to ratify fatwas by Islamic scholars in support of polio elimination.
The document stated that the CII was concerned that Pakistan was facing travel restrictions due to polio cases.
It further added that it could face further economic difficulties in the future as such restrictions could be increased.
CII Chairman Dr. Qibla Ayaz said that around 30 percent of polio vaccination refusals are made on religious grounds while the remaining 70 percent are for political or other reasons.
Dr. Ayaz said that the CII would continue to support the polio programme and would be ready to play its role in reducing refusals.
Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by polio-virus mainly affecting children under the age of five. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease.