Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Unidentified assailants opened fire on a police constable in Sakhi Pul area of Jamrud in Khyber District and fled from the scene, sources said on Monday.
The sources said that the police official Abdul Khaliq was attacked by gunmen when he was on his way to escort the polio vaccinating team.
The attack on police further increased the wave of threats faced by law enforcement personnel performing duties with health staff in the polio eradication campaign.
Over the years, militants have repeatedly targeted polio workers and their security escorts, viewing them as symbols of governmental and international intervention.
The statistics are alarming. In 2013 and 2014 alone, more than 50 polio vaccinators were killed in Pakistan. In 2016, seven police personnel guarding polio workers were shot dead in Karachi. The violence has continued in recent years. In January 2024, a blast targeting police providing security for a polio drive killed five officers and wounded nearly two dozen others.
These attacks have severely hamper polio eradication efforts. Pakistan reported a sharp increase in polio cases in 2024, with 39 cases confirmed by October—an alarming resurgence compared to previous years. The country remains one of only two in the world where polio is still endemic.
The martyrdom of Constable Abdul Khaliq was a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those on the front lines of public health initiatives. The security forces’ dedication remained unwavering despite life-threatening dangers.
The government and international organizations needed to enhance security measures and provide adequate support to ensure the safety of polio workers and the security forces personnel escorting polio teams.
Polio eradication in Pakistan depends on medical efforts and addressing the security challenges that continue to threaten vaccination campaigns. The international community must recognize and support Pakistan’s dual battle against disease and militancy in its fight for a polio-free future.
