Two policemen martyred in attack during polio campaign in Mohmand
- Deceased personnel identified as constables Zahoor and Fazal Rabi
Two police were killed and one injured in Mohmand district during an attack on a polio vaccination security team. This occurred amidst a nationwide campaign aiming to vaccinate millions of children.
- Specific location and casualties of the attack.
- President Zardari's condemnation and tribute to fallen officers.
- Progress and targets of the nationwide polio vaccination campaign.
Two police personnel were killed and another was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police team providing security for an anti-polio campaign in Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, Rescue 1122 said.
The incident took place in the Taman Zai area of Pindiali tehsil, where the policemen were deployed to protect polio workers administering vaccines to children.
Rescue 1122 identified the deceased personnel as constables Zahoor and Fazal Rabi, while Constable Sabir was injured in the firing. The injured policeman was shifted to hospital for medical treatment.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, expressing grief over the deaths and paying tribute to the slain policemen for their dedication and service.
He said targeting personnel assigned to protect children during the national polio vaccination campaign was deeply regrettable and condemnable. He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured policeman.
“Police personnel deployed to protect polio teams are performing a national duty and their sacrifices will not be forgotten,” the president said.
Meanwhile, the second day of the sub-national polio vaccination campaign was under way in 97 selected districts across the country on Tuesday, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
More than 6.683 million children were vaccinated on the first day of the campaign, which is being conducted from November 2 to 8. Around 24 million children are targeted for vaccination, with more than 200,000 polio workers taking part in the door-to-door drive.
According to the National EOC, more than 2.502 million children were vaccinated in 13 selected districts of Punjab, while 1.972 million received vaccine drops in 20 districts of Sindh.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, more than 1.372 million children were vaccinated across 27 selected districts, while over 572,000 children received polio drops in 31 districts of Balochistan.
The campaign also covered more than 148,000 children in Islamabad, 49,000 in three selected districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and 66,000 in two districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The National EOC urged parents to ensure that every child under the age of five received polio drops, saying vaccination was the only way to protect children against the incurable disease.
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