‘Polio Free Pakistan’ pamphlet in Rajouri sends authorities scrambling for explanation
Jammu: Authorities in Rajouri district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have sought an urgent explanation from a block medical officer over circulation of a pamphlet bearing the slogan “Polio Free Pakistan”.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Rajouri Chief Medical Officer issued an order directing the Block Medical Officer, Kandi, to submit a detailed report within a day.
The CMO said an advertisement for the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme, 2026 was circulated on social media and WhatsApp groups, creating the impression it was officially issued by the BMO’s office.
Scrutiny of the material revealed it carried the logo of Pakistan’s National Emergency Operations Centre and the slogan “Polio Free Pakistan”, which the order said had no relevance to any programme of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir health department.
The pamphlet also carried the BMO’s name and designation. The CMO termed the logo and slogan “prima facie unauthorised, misleading and capable of creating public confusion regarding official government health initiatives”.
The order said the advertisement was circulated on social media by Community Health Officer Ayub Lone. Calling the matter of “utmost seriousness”, the CMO said such circulation could adversely affect public confidence and bring disrepute to the department.
The BMO was directed to explain whether the material was prepared, approved, printed or circulated with official authorization, and to identify officials responsible for its design and dissemination. The community health officer was also asked to explain why he allowed its dissemination.
