A high-level preparedness meeting titled 'Nipah Virus: Preventive and Preparedness Measures' was held on Thursday at the Ministry of National Health Services, reflecting growing regional vigilance as several Asian countries tighten surveillance measures. Chaired by Federal Health Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh, the meeting reviewed national readiness across federal health institutions, disease surveillance systems, Border Health Services (BHS) and major public hospitals in the federal capital. Officials were briefed that, on the directions of Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure early detection, rapid response and coordinated management of any suspected Nipah virus case. The chair told participants that although no Nipah virus infections have been detected in Pakistan, either in humans or animals, ecological conditions in neighbouring countries require sustained alertness and preparedness rather than complacency. Director General Health Dr Abdul Wali Khan informed the meeting that Nipah is a zoonotic virus with natural reservoirs in fruit bats and pigs, and that all documented outbreaks to date have occurred in Asian countries.