Polio virus has been detected in the environmental samples in Karachi capital of the Sindh province, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the provincial health ministry said the virus is genetically related to the cluster in Afghanistan

Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan stressed measures are being adopted on an emergency basis to eradicate the virus.

He made a request to the parents to participate in polio campaigns to protect the children from permanent disability.

The poliovirus targets children under five. It invades the nervous system and causes paralysis.

Since there is no cure, vaccination is the most effective way to save children from suffering.