Polio team attacked in Bajaur, two martyred including policeman

Two people, including a police officer deployed on polio duty, were martyred when unknown assailants opened fire on a polio team in the Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil on Tuesday.

According to details, the attack took place during the anti-polio campaign when armed attackers targeted the polio team. As a result of the firing, a police constable identified as Sajjad, who was assigned to provide security to the polio workers, and a civilian were martyred on the spot.

Following the incident, a heavy contingent of police was dispatched to the area. Law enforcement agencies have launched raids at various locations to arrest those involved in the attack.

District Police Officer Waqqas Rafiq said that strict security arrangements have been made in the area during the ongoing anti-polio campaign and that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.

The funeral prayers of the police officer martyred in the attack were offered at the Police Lines, Civil Colony, Khar. The prayer was attended by the Deputy Commissioner, the District Police Officer, and other civil and military officials.

A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a salute to the mortal remains of the martyred officer. The Deputy Commissioner, DPO, and other civil and military officials paid tribute by placing floral wreaths on the coffin.

After the funeral prayers, the deceased's body was sent to his native area, where he will be laid to rest with full state honors.

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has strongly condemned the attack on the polio team. “The attack on the polio team is an assault on humanity and a national duty, said Chief Minister Suhail Afridi,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the police officer martyred in the attack and the deceased civilians.

“Polio workers and the security personnel deployed for their protection are performing a national duty, and the nation will always remember their sacrifices,” Afridi stated.

Calling the incident extremely tragic, the Chief Minister said that those involved would be brought to justice and punished according to the law. He emphasized that the polio campaign aimed at protecting innocent children would not be allowed to be affected under any circumstances.