In the rugged district of Bajaur, a suspected militant attack on a police officer guarding polio workers has claimed two lives, leaving the community in shock.
The Attack
Police reports say that on a Tuesday, an armed assailant opened fire on a police officer who was standing watch over a team of polio vaccinators. The officer was killed at the scene, and a passerby also lost his life before the gunman fled the area. No polio worker was harmed during the exchange, and the vaccination team was able to continue its duties.
Local police chief Samad Khan confirmed the incident and emphasized that the attack was carried out by “suspected militants.” He added that the police force was on high alert after the shooting. Khan did not identify a specific group that claimed responsibility.
While no organization has taken credit for the attack, authorities suspect that the Pakistani Taliban or other militant groups that have been blamed by the government for similar incidents in the region may be involved. These groups have a history of targeting security personnel and public health workers.
Polio Vaccination Campaign
The shooting occurred a day after Pakistan launched a week-long nationwide campaign aimed at immunizing 45 million children against polio. The campaign is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease, which remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the World Health Organization, these two nations are the only ones where polio has not yet been eliminated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack in a statement and pledged “strong action” against those responsible. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting health workers and ensuring the success of the vaccination drive.
In a recent government report, Pakistan recorded 30 polio cases since January, a decrease from 74 cases in the same period last year. The decline is seen as a positive sign, but the threat to health workers remains a significant obstacle.
Historical Violence Against Polio Workers
Pakistan has a long history of violence targeting polio workers and the police assigned to protect them. Since the 1990s, more than 200 polio workers and security personnel have been killed in the country. The attacks have been driven by militants who falsely claim that vaccination campaigns are a Western conspiracy to sterilize children.
These false narratives have fueled mistrust and made it difficult for health workers to carry out their duties safely. Despite the risks, the government continues to launch vaccination campaigns in order to reach the 45 million children in need.
The persistence of attacks underscores the broader security challenges in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where militant activity remains a concern for both local and national authorities.
Key Takeaways
- A suspected militant gunman killed a police officer and a passerby while polio workers were protected in Bajaur.
- No polio worker was harmed, and the vaccination team continued their work.
- The attack comes amid a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting 45 million children.
The incident highlights the ongoing danger faced by health workers in Pakistan and the need for continued protection and support for vaccination efforts.
The government’s swift condemnation and pledge for strong action signal its determination to safeguard public health initiatives against militant interference. As the country pushes toward polio eradication, ensuring the safety of workers remains a critical priority.
