PM Shehbaz meets Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates in New York

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Gates Foundation Chairman Bill Gates in New York, where the two discussed Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and explored wider cooperation in health, agriculture, digital innovation and emerging technologies.

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Gates Foundation’s continued support for Pakistan, particularly in polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, digitalisation and financial inclusion.

The prime minister referred to the foundation team’s recent visit to Pakistan earlier this month and highlighted the importance of its long-standing partnership with the country.

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to completely eliminate polio and said the government remained firmly committed to achieving the goal. He also thanked the Gates Foundation for its sustained assistance to Pakistan’s polio programme and expressed his personal commitment to ending the disease.

Bill Gates praises Pakistan’s polio efforts

Bill Gates appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts to eradicate polio under the prime minister’s leadership.

He stressed the importance of eliminating the disease to protect future generations from a preventable illness.

Gates also praised the guidance provided by Shehbaz Sharif to provincial governments in support of the nationwide polio vaccination programme.

Pakistan remains among the countries where poliovirus continues to pose a public-health challenge, making sustained vaccination and coordinated efforts essential to preventing its spread.

Talks expand beyond health

The discussions were not limited to polio. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the Gates Foundation’s role as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s social and economic development and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public health, agriculture, digital innovation and artificial intelligence.

The prime minister also briefed Gates on reforms being pursued in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

According to the discussion, the reforms focus on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research and improving the capacity of farmers. Both sides explored potential areas of cooperation involving improved seed development, genetic enhancement of livestock and emerging agricultural technologies.

The conversation reflected Pakistan’s efforts to use technology and scientific innovation to address challenges in healthcare and agriculture while improving productivity and supporting long-term development.

Invitation to visit Pakistan

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif also recalled Bill Gates’ previous visit to Pakistan and invited him to return to the country soon.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and expanding their partnership in areas linked to sustainable development, technological progress and social-sector improvement.

The meeting in New York comes as Pakistan seeks stronger international partnerships in healthcare, technology and agriculture, while continuing its campaign to protect children from polio.

For Pakistan, the discussions with the Gates Foundation represent an opportunity to maintain international support for polio eradication while broadening cooperation into areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and climate-resilient agriculture.