Pakistan has reported two fresh cases of polio, taking the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 21 so far this year. Health officials said the latest cases were detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that continues to be one of the worst affected by the disease.

According to the National Institute of Health, both children diagnosed with the virus had not received complete vaccination doses. Authorities stressed that incomplete immunization remains a major challenge in eradicating polio from the country.

Despite repeated vaccination drives, resistance from some communities and difficulties in reaching remote areas have slowed down progress. Health workers have also faced security concerns in certain districts while carrying out door-to-door campaigns.

Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, is among the last two countries in the world where polio remains endemic. Officials said fresh efforts will be made to strengthen vaccination programs and raise awareness to ensure children are fully immunized.