PESHAWAR: Two people, including a police officer, were killed on Monday after gunmen opened fire on an anti-polio vaccination team in Bajaur district.
The incident took place in the Tangi area of Salarzai tehsil, where health workers were administering polio drops to children as part of an ongoing immunisation campaign, according to police.
As a result of the firing, a police officer, Sajjad, who was assigned to protect the team, and a civilian were injured. Both the injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. However, despite efforts by doctors, the cop and civilian succumbed to their injuries.
Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to trace the attackers. According to police officials, the vaccination team was engaged in door-to-door work when unidentified attackers launched the assault.
The firing resulted in the death of a police officer assigned to protect the team, along with a passer-by who was present in the area at the time.
The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack. Security forces have launched a search operation in and around the area to trace those responsible.
Police said checkpoints were set up and patrols intensified as part of efforts to identify and apprehend the attackers. Further details regarding the suspects were not disclosed. Security has been tightened in the region as authorities continue efforts to ensure the safety of polio workers and continue the vaccination drive.
The attack drew a strong response from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. In a statement issued following the incident, the Prime Minister offered prayers for the departed souls and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for patience and strength for the families of the victims.
The Prime Minister directed law enforcement agencies to ensure the swift identification of the perpetrators and to bring them to justice. He described the attack on those involved in the national polio eradication drive as deeply regrettable, noting that health workers and security personnel were performing a vital duty for the country.
Reiterating the government’s stance on public health, the Prime Minister said the fight against polio would continue with full determination until the disease is completely eradicated from the country. He reaffirmed that the anti-polio campaign remains a national priority and that all necessary measures would be taken to protect those involved in the effort.
Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio has not yet been eliminated, and vaccination teams often operate under police protection due to security threats in certain areas.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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