A police team assigned to protect anti-polio workers came under attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, leaving one officer martyred and four others injured in a gunfire incident.
According to police, unidentified armed men opened fire on a police van deployed for the security of polio teams in the Chapri Wazir area of Tal tehsil.
The attack occurred while the anti-polio campaign was underway in the area, highlighting ongoing security challenges faced by frontline workers.
Police confirmed that one officer was martyred in the attack, while four others sustained injuries due to gunfire. The martyred officer was identified as Israrul Haq, who belonged to Shangla.
Officials said he was undergoing a PTC (Police Training College) main intermediate course at the time.
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The injured personnel were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released further details about their condition.
Heavy exchange of fire reported
Following the attack, a heavy exchange of fire took place between police and the assailants.
According to SHO Mahmood Alam, the encounter continued for some time, and additional police personnel were called in to reinforce the area.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers. Police officials said efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest those involved in the incident.
The attack comes as a nationwide anti-polio campaign is in progress, with teams going door-to-door to vaccinate children. Despite the incident, authorities remain committed to continuing the campaign and ensuring the safety of health workers and security personnel.
