Islamabad: The Senate commenced its session at the Parliament House in Islamabad with Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani presiding over the proceedings. The session addressed various important issues, including the misconduct and manhandling of senior journalist Tariq Virk by the Punjab Police, which was referred to the Senate Committee on Information for further examination.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal made a significant appeal to parents, urging them to vaccinate their children against poliovirus and other diseases. He highlighted that childhood vaccination remains the sole effective strategy to protect against the poliovirus. Mustafa Kamal reassured parents of the safety of the anti-polio vaccine for children's health. He emphasized the government's efforts to actively engage religious scholars and other influential figures to encourage vaccination.

The Minister pointed out a significant decrease in poliovirus cases, with 73 cases reported last year compared to only 14 cases this year. He also mentioned the extensive campaign being conducted by the Taliban-led Afghan interim government to eradicate the poliovirus from Afghanistan, indicating regional efforts towards polio elimination.

In response to a calling attention notice, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik spoke on the government's initiatives to boost industry and employment. He mentioned steps such as reducing policy rates and taxes, rationalizing the industrial sector, and implementing policy interventions to support local industry development.

The Senate session concluded with the announcement that the House will reconvene on Friday at 10:30 in the morning.