Two policemen were killed in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen targeted a health office where polio vaccination teams were gathered. The attack occurred at the Basic Health Unit in Upper Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to sources within the health department who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Multiple polio vaccination teams were present at the facility during the incident. Reports indicate that three assailants were killed in the confrontation.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack on the anti-polio team, expressing sorrow over the loss of the police officials’ lives. In his statement, he praised the bravery of the officers, noting that they valiantly fought against the attackers and eliminated three terrorists.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, reiterating the government’s commitment to completely eradicating the poliovirus from the country.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of health workers engaged in the vital vaccination efforts.
The tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by polio vaccination teams in Pakistan, where such attacks are not uncommon. The government has made significant strides in its vaccination campaigns, but incidents of violence continue to pose serious threats to public health efforts.
Both the President and the Prime Minister’s responses highlight the need for increased security measures for health workers in the region as well as a continued commitment to combating polio.
