Policeman shot dead in K-P as nationwide polio vaccination drive begins

A police officer was killed on Monday while en route to provide security for polio vaccinators in Jamrud town, located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The officer, identified as a constable, was reportedly attacked by two individuals on a motorcycle who opened fire on him, Express News reported.

The injured officer was immediately shifted to the hospital for medical treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries. The slain officer has been identified as Abdul Khaliq.

Upon receiving information about the attack, a heavy contingent of police reached the scene, cordoned off the area, and launched a search operation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched the year's first nationwide anti-polio campaign, running from February 3 to 9, by administering polio drops to children under five and reaffirming his commitment to eliminating the disease from Pakistan.

Speaking at the campaign's launch, the premier underscored his determination to rid the country of polio.

"The national polio vaccination drive would target millions of children to save their future and health," he said.

The prime minister lauded the dedication of vaccination teams, expressing confidence that they would work "day and night to eradicate the disease, and would reach the far-flung areas and villages".

He said that the teams would shoulder their responsibility with "complete energy and commitment".

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) praised Pakistan for reducing polio cases by over 99% since 1994, reaffirming its commitment to assist the country in completing the final phase of eradication.

Despite significant progress, the disease has seen a resurgence in some of Pakistan's most volatile regions, and challenges remain in the fight against polio.

The WHO, acknowledging Pakistan's efforts, emphasized that it would continue to support the country in “running the last mile” to end the crippling disease.

This message was delivered during Islamabad’s hosting of the Technical Advisory Group for Polio Eradication, a key forum bringing together global experts to strategize on eliminating the global polio threat.