A police officer providing security to a polio vaccination team was martyred on Monday when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the Killi Muhammad Hassani area of Nushki, Balochistan.
According to police, the body of the martyred officer has been shifted to a hospital. The victim, identified as Abdul Waheed, was a resident of Jamalabad, Nushki.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from both provincial and federal officials.
Spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, condemned the attack, stating, "Polio campaigns are a national duty, and any assault on them is intolerable." He paid tribute to the fallen officer and said, "We salute the sacrifice of Shaheed Abdul Waheed, who gave his life for the protection of Pakistan’s children."
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of the officer. He extended condolences to the bereaved family, saying, “We stand with the family of Shaheed Abdul Waheed in this difficult time. He attained the highest honor of martyrdom.”
Minister Naqvi added, “An attack on those safeguarding our children’s future is beyond comprehension and cannot be tolerated. The perpetrators will be dealt with with an iron hand.”
President, PM condemn attack on polio team in Nushki
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the attack on the polio team in Nushki.
Issuing a message regarding the ongoing countrywide polio eradication campaign, the president paid tribute to brave polio workers for risking their lives to reach every child.
He said that through continuous vaccination campaigns, effective monitoring, and the courage of health workers, polio cases have decreased by more than ninety percent.
The President, however, said the war against polio is not yet over.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the firing on the polio eradication team in Nushki, extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family of the martyr.
Prime Minister affirmed that strict action will be taken against militant elements targeting the polio campaign.
7-day anti-Polio campaign continues across Balochistan
Despite the tragic incident, the seven-day anti-polio campaign continues across Balochistan for the second consecutive day. According to the Emergency Operations Center, more than 2.66 million children under the age of five are being administered polio drops.
As part of the campaign, Vitamin A supplements are also being given to boost children's immunity. Over 11,000 teams are participating in the province-wide drive, working tirelessly to reach every household.
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari appeals for public participation
Meanwhile, First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has appealed to the public to participate in the national polio eradication drive actively. In a message shared on the social media platform X, she emphasized the importance of protecting children from lifelong disabilities caused by polio.
She stated that the nationwide campaign, running from May 26 to June 1, aims to vaccinate over 44 million children. More than 400,000 frontline workers are going door to door to ensure no child is left behind.
“This is a national cause. Join hands for a polio-free Pakistan,” she urged, calling on citizens to support vaccination efforts and help secure a healthier future for the next generation.
