Attack on Polio Team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Policeman Killed, Four Injured
Synopsis
A police constable was tragically killed while four others were injured in a violent attack on a polio vaccination team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by health workers in the region.
Key Takeaways
Police constable killed while securing polio vaccination teams.
Four officers injured in the attack.
Search operation launched to apprehend assailants.
Pakistan remains one of the last two countries with endemic polio.
Significant number of health workers have been attacked in recent years.
Islamabad, April 13 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred on Monday in Hangu district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a police constable was fatally shot and four additional officers sustained injuries while providing essential security for polio vaccination teams, as per reports from local media.
The attack took place in the Thall tehsil coinciding with the commencement of a vaccination campaign scheduled from April 13-19. The Hangu District police issued a statement indicating that unidentified gunmen opened fire on the police unit, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to four others, according to Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.
The injured officers were immediately transported to the hospital for medical attention. In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement launched a search operation in the vicinity to apprehend the assailants.
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, is among the few countries globally where the Wild Poliovirus remains endemic. Health workers engaged in polio eradication efforts in Pakistan have frequently been targeted in attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Earlier in February, another police officer lost his life when unidentified attackers fired upon a vaccination team in Chaman district of Balochistan.
Additionally, similar assaults on polio teams were reported in various locations across Lahore in February, where parents refused to allow the administration of polio drops to their children.
According to police, individuals in the Harbanspura area obstructed the polio team from administering vaccines to their children and subsequently attacked the health workers, as reported by Dawn.
The FIR detailed that the suspects not only assaulted the polio workers but also summoned accomplices who further tortured the health staff. The police arrived at the scene after the workers contacted a helpline.
During the chaos, the assailants also turned their aggression towards police personnel. Subsequently, the police registered a case against the attackers.
In a related matter, the Shahdara police took legal action against the parents of certain children for allegedly harassing female polio workers visiting the area to vaccinate children.
Since 2012, a total of 96 individuals have lost their lives in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which includes 61 police officers, 7 health workers, and 5 civilians, as per official statistics. Furthermore, 170 individuals, comprising 124 police officers, 28 health workers, and 21 civilians, have been injured in assaults on polio teams. During this time frame, 32 health workers, three civilians, and one police officer have been kidnapped during vaccination drives.
Point of View
It's crucial to underscore the alarming trend of violence against health workers in Pakistan, particularly those involved in vaccination campaigns. The ongoing attacks not only jeopardize public health initiatives but also highlight a pressing need for enhanced security measures to protect those striving to eliminate polio.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the attack on the polio team?
A police constable was killed and four others were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on a police unit providing security for polio vaccination teams in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Why are polio workers targeted in Pakistan?
Polio workers in Pakistan have faced recurring violence due to cultural resistance to vaccination and the endemic presence of the Wild Poliovirus in the country.
What measures are being taken to protect health workers?
Following incidents of violence, law enforcement agencies initiate search operations and enhance security around vaccination teams to ensure their safety.
How many attacks have occurred against polio workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?
Since 2012, 96 individuals have been killed in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including police personnel and health workers.
What impact does violence against health workers have?
Violence against health workers significantly hampers vaccination efforts and poses serious public health risks, particularly in eradicating diseases like polio.
