Two Levies personnel on polio duty martyred

Two Levies personnel were martyred in Balochistan's Mastung district on Wednesday when unidentified gunmen attacked a security team guarding a polio vaccination drive — the second such incident since the nationwide campaign began this week.

The incident, viewed as an attempt to undermine Pakistan's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, has drawn strong condemnation from federal and provincial authorities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.

"Terrorists who harm innocent civilians and security personnel are enemies of humanity and will be punished," he said.

He affirmed that such acts of violence would not shake Pakistan's determination to wipe out polio. "The government remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate the disease. The polio campaign will continue with full national resolve," he said.

The prime minister also appealed to parents, urging them not to lose heart and ensure their children receive life-saving polio drops to protect their futures.

Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti also expressed deep sorrow over the attack and termed it a cowardly act of terrorism.