Police Constable Killed in Attack on Polio Vaccination Team in Khyber District

A police constable on security duty for a polio vaccination team was shot and killed on Monday in Jamrud town, Khyber district, on the first day of Pakistan’s nationwide anti-polio drive, authorities confirmed.

Militants frequently target polio workers and their security personnel, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. In 2024 alone, at least 20 people have been killed and 53 injured during vaccination campaigns in KP.

Police spokesperson Zaheer Ahmed told local media outlet that unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle attacked the officer near Sakhi Pul in the Ghundi area. “The constable, identified as Abdul Khalid, was on his way to guard the polio team when he was martyred,” Ahmed stated, adding that an investigation is underway.

Despite the attack, police official Zarmat Khan confirmed to AFP that the vaccination campaign in the area remains uninterrupted.

Officials Condemn Attack, Vow to Continue Polio Eradication Efforts

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, calling it an assault on efforts to safeguard children’s futures. In a statement posted on X, he expressed condolences for the slain officer, saying, “We salute the duty of martyred Constable Abdul Khalid while on duty to secure the future of our children.”

Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic. Despite international efforts to eradicate the disease, challenges such as security threats, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation continue to hinder progress.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched the country’s first anti-polio drive of 2024 on Sunday, pledging to eliminate the virus. Running from February 3 to 9, the campaign aims to vaccinate children under five across the nation.

Security measures have been heightened for polio teams in high-risk areas, with officials reaffirming their commitment to continuing immunization efforts despite threats.