Cop among two killed in attack on a polio team in Bajaur: Police
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Khaliq-ur-Rehman has strongly condemned the attack on a polio vaccination team in Tehsil Salarzai of Bajaur district, terming it a cowardly and inhumane act.
The minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident, including a police constable deployed for polio duty.
He extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and the speedy recovery of the injured.
Khaliq-ur-Rehman said that such brutal attacks would never weaken the resolve, courage, and commitment of the province to eradicate polio and provide basic health facilities to the people.
He added that the health department, provincial government, and the entire nation stand firmly with the law enforcement agencies.
Clarifying the government’s position, the provincial health minister stated that the polio vaccination campaign would continue uninterrupted across the province, emphasizing that the safety of frontline workers remains the government’s foremost responsibility.
He reaffirmed that no terrorist act would be allowed to hinder ongoing health initiatives and public welfare services in the province.
“Through national unity, strong will, and firm determination, these cruel and terrorist elements will be defeated, and the journey towards a healthy and polio-free KP will continue,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention here that two people, including a police constable, were killed on Tuesday when unidentified assailants opened fire on a polio vaccination team in the Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur district, police said.
The incident occurred in the Thangi area as the nationwide polio eradication campaign entered its second day.
According to police, the attackers targeted the polio team while a police contingent was providing security.
A constable deployed for the protection of vaccinators sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to them. Another civilian lost his life after being shot while attempting to pursue the fleeing assailants.
Public Relations Officer of the police, Israr Khan, confirmed the casualties and identified the martyred policeman as Constable Sajad Ahmed.
