One of the world’s richest men and founder of software company Microsoft Corporation Bill Gates called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad during his maiden visit to Pakistan on Thursday and took up a string of issues including polio eradication, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Prime Minister's Office shared the pictures of the meeting on Twitter while the Prime Minister aide on Health Dr Faisal Sultan welcomed Bill Gates to Pakistan.

https://twitter.com/GovtofPakistan/status/1494228793078206465

Hilal-e-Pakistan for Bill Gates

President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday conferred Hilal-e-Pakistan award on Bill Gates for his serves for eradicating polio and fighting Covid-19 in Pakistan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT6KihuXOvc

Bill Gates also visited National Command and Operatio Centre (NCOC) headquarters in Islamabad where he was given a detailed briefing by Planning Minister Asad Umar, who thanked him for the support his foundation provided in fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://twitter.com/Asad_Umar/status/1494227541451804673

“It is a pleasure to welcome Mr Bill Gates on his first-ever visit to Pakistan,” Faisal Sultan had tweeted after his arrival in Islamabad.

Sultan said that the visiting dignitary's planned engagements include a review of progress on polio eradication; visits to the National Command and Operation Centre and Ehsaas program as well as meeting the president, the PM and health leadership of the provinces

https://twitter.com/fslsltn/status/1494195545707065347 

The billionaire philanthropist, who is also the co-chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a major contributor in worldwide polio eradication, was given a detailed briefing on Pakistan's efforts to wipe the virus out of the country during a meeting with health officials after arrival.

The fourth richest person also visited a Covid hospital in Chak Shahzad – a modern suburb situated in Islamabad. He also visited the anti-polio programme, where he was briefed by the programme’s chief Dr Shehzad Baig and was informed of Covid-19 and polio prevention measures being taken in the country.

Prime Minister during a previous telephonic conversation with the tech tycoon discussed matters of shared concern including polio eradication in Pakistan and the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

The premier expressed appreciation for the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world.

Eaerlier, Bill Gates landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Islamabad on a short visit to Pakistan. He is also due to meet President Dr Arif Alvi.

According to sources, Bill Gates will leave Pakistan in the evening after the one-day visit.

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Reporter Awais Kiani