What Happened to the Constable Protecting the Polio Team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a Levies constable assigned to protect a polio vaccination team was shot dead by unidentified assailants. This attack follows the launch of a national polio eradication campaign aimed at vaccinating over 45 million children. Explore the implications of this violence on vaccination efforts in Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Levies constable
- Nationwide polio campaign launched to vaccinate 45 million children.
- Frequent attacks on polio workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
- Two new poliovirus cases reported in Sindh, raising concerns.
- Security measures for health workers need urgent improvement.
Islamabad, Oct 14 (NationPress) A Levies constable, assigned to ensure the safety of a polio vaccination team, was tragically shot dead when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the Swat district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region on Tuesday, as reported by local media and police authorities.
This violent incident occurred just a day after the government initiated a nationwide polio eradication campaign, aiming to immunize over 45 million children. According to District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan, the slain constable was on duty alongside a polio team that included two female health workers, as detailed by Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn.
Khan elaborated, "The health workers were administering vaccines inside a residence while the constable was providing security outside when he was attacked." He mentioned that the assailants fled the scene immediately after the assault. Law enforcement officials promptly arrived and commenced investigations into the incident.
He stated, "The area has been secured, and a search operation is in progress to apprehend the perpetrators. No anti-state elements will be permitted to disrupt peace in Swat," asserting that those responsible for the attack will face justice.
Polio workers have frequently been targeted in attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In 2024, there were reports of 20 deaths and 53 injuries associated with anti-polio campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a similar incident in May, a police officer assigned to protect a vaccination team was killed in a gun attack by unknown assailants in Balochistan’s Noshki district, and another officer lost his life in February in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district.
Notably, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two nations globally where the Wild Poliovirus persists. Efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan have faced significant hurdles, including security concerns, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation.
Earlier this September, two new cases of poliovirus were confirmed in Sindh province, bringing the national total for 2025 to 29 cases, according to the National Institute of Health. These new cases were registered in Badin and Thatta districts, following a recent case in Hyderabad, raising the provincial count to nine, as reported by The Express Tribune.
The NIH statement clarified, "With these two cases, both involving girls, the total number of polio cases in Pakistan for 2025 now stands at 29," including 18 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the ongoing threats faced by health workers in Pakistan. The assassination of the Levies constable highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect those dedicated to eradicating polio. The government must prioritize the safety of its health workers while continuing to combat misinformation and vaccine hesitancy to ensure that the polio eradication campaign is successful.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of polio in Pakistan?
As of 2025, Pakistan has reported 29 cases of polio, with the majority stemming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces.
Why are health workers being targeted in Pakistan?
Health workers in Pakistan face threats due to various factors, including misinformation about vaccines and opposition from anti-vaccine groups.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of vaccination teams?
Authorities have begun search operations and increased security measures to protect vaccination teams during their campaigns.
How many children does the government aim to vaccinate in the current campaign?
The ongoing polio eradication campaign aims to vaccinate over 45 million children across Pakistan.
What challenges hinder polio eradication efforts in Pakistan?
Challenges include security threats, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and the persistence of the Wild Poliovirus.
