Why Was Another Police Officer Killed While Protecting a Polio Team?
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Synopsis
The tragic killing of a police constable in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those safeguarding polio vaccination efforts. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against polio in Pakistan, a battle complicated by violence and misinformation. As the nation pushes forward, the safety of health workers remains a pressing concern.
Key Takeaways
- Another police constable was killed in a targeted attack.
- This marks the second incident in three days during ongoing polio vaccination efforts.
- Polio workers face significant risks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
- Pakistan remains one of the last countries with endemic Wild Poliovirus.
- Efforts to eradicate polio are hampered by security challenges and public skepticism.
Islamabad, Oct 15 (NationPress) – A police constable, assigned to safeguard a polio vaccination team, was tragically shot dead by unknown assailants in the Kaahi region of Nizampur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on Wednesday. This incident marks the second such attack within a span of three days, as reported by local media.
The slain constable has been identified as Maqsood, aged 35, who hailed from Kheshgi. According to police representatives, the shooting occurred while female health workers were administering polio drops to children inside a residence, as detailed by the Express Tribune. Following the attack, the assailants fled, prompting authorities to initiate a search operation for their apprehension.
This incident follows another fatal attack just one day prior, where a Levies constable assigned to protect a polio vaccination crew was also killed in Swat district, as confirmed by police authorities. According to District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Umar Khan, the Levies constable was on duty alongside two female health workers when the attack occurred. The DPO noted that while the workers were administering vaccines indoors, the constable was stationed outside when he was targeted. Investigations are ongoing as police and law enforcement officials arrived at the scene.
Attacks against polio workers have become alarmingly common, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Earlier this year in May, a police officer assigned to a vaccination team was killed in a gun attack in Noshki, Balochistan, while another was shot dead in Bajaur district in February. Reports indicate that 20 individuals lost their lives and 53 were injured during anti-polio campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024.
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries globally where the Wild Poliovirus remains endemic. Efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan have faced significant hurdles, including security challenges, vaccine skepticism, and misinformation.
In September, two new poliovirus cases were discovered in Sindh province, bringing the national total in 2025 to 29, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). An NIH statement confirmed that these cases involved two girls, contributing to a total of 29 cases in 2025, with 18 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nine from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the grave risks faced by our law enforcement and health workers in the fight against polio. The repeated attacks are not just tragedies; they represent a systemic issue that needs immediate attention. The nation must unite to ensure the safety of those committed to public health and to restore trust in vaccination efforts.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
A police constable was shot dead while providing security for a polio vaccination team in Nizampur, marking the second such incident in three days.
Who was the constable that was killed?
The deceased constable was identified as Maqsood, a 35-year-old resident of Kheshgi.
What has been the trend of violence against polio workers?
Polio workers, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, have been frequently targeted in violent attacks.
How many polio cases have been reported in Pakistan this year?
As of September 2025, Pakistan has reported a total of 29 polio cases.
What challenges are faced in eradicating polio in Pakistan?
Challenges include security issues, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation, which hinder eradication efforts.
