Pakistan's religious scholar, commonly known as the "Father of the Taliban", has issued a fatwa urging parents to immunize their children against polio and other fatal diseases, saying that vaccinations comply with the Islamic law.
The announcement by the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary head, Maulana Samiul Haq, came more than a year after the Tehreik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) banned polio immunization following a fake CIA vaccination programme meant to track slain Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
Haq has signed a statement dated October 30 telling the parents to disregard the militants' warnings and give the injections and drops of these vaccines to their children, the Daily Times reports.
According to the report, the ban led to a surge in polio cases in Pakistan threatening worldwide efforts to eradicate the infectious disease.
Taliban fighters have launched regular attacks on medical workers and security personnel resulting in at least 25 deaths since the June 2012 prohibition on inoculation.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
