Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL
Due to the growing security threats from across the border, Khyber police imposed foolproof security during the seven-day anti-polio vaccination campaign in Khyber district,police said on Monday.
Police said a seven-day anti-polio vaccination campaign is continuing across Khyber district under enhanced and foolproof security measures to ensure the safety of vaccination teams and the smooth conduct of the drive.
According to police officials, a large number of police personnel have been deployed on the special directives of District Police Officer (DPO) Khyber Waqar Ahmed to provide comprehensive security to polio teams. Additional pickets and snpae checking points have been established at all major entry and exit points of the district, while patrolling and checking have been further intensified.
The DPO Khyber said SP Investigation Shafiq Khan, DSP Headquarters, all SDPOs and SHOs have been directed to remain present in the field along with deployed personnel, conduct regular inspections and closely monitor the overall security situation.
He warned that no negligence in duty would be tolerated during the campaign.
Meanwhile, SP Investigation Shafiq Khan paid surprise visits to sensitive areas, reviewed security arrangements and met police personnel on duty. He instructed officers to strictly ensure the use of bulletproof jackets and helmets, remain vigilant regarding suspicious individuals, vehicles and motorcycles and remove illegal or suspicious stickers during checking. Several individuals were also issued warnings for violations.
Speaking on the occasion, SP Shafiq Khan said the security of polio teams was the police’s top priority and directed all police officers and personnel to remain on high alert and strictly follow standard operating procedures.
He urged parents to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that children under five years of age were administered polio drops to protect them from lifelong disability.
Pakistan remained one of the few countries where poliovirus persists, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa considered a sensitive region due to population movement and security challenges. Polio authorities said sustained vaccination efforts, public cooperation and strong security arrangements werr crucial to achieving a polio-free Pakistan.
