Polio security

Yesterday, the government initiated a nationwide polio vaccination campaign, aiming to reach over 45 million children under the age of five. Such drives are meant to signal resolve, yet this one has begun under the shadow of violence, with the martyrdom of a police officer in Hangu, K-P, exposing once again the fragility of security arrangements surrounding one of the country's most critical public health efforts.

The scale of the campaign is formidable, extending across all provinces and regions, with 400,000 frontline workers tasked to reach even the most remote and high-risk areas across all provinces. Encouragingly, progress is evident. The poliovirus footprint has shrunk significantly, with far fewer affected districts and a sharp decline in environmental samples. Yet, the one confirmed case in 2026, detected in Sujawal town of Sindh, is a reminder that the fight is far from over.

Meanwhile, the attack in Hangu cannot be brushed aside. Security personnel are integral to the success of these campaigns, particularly in volatile regions. When they are targeted, and worse, left exposed, it points to systemic lapses that undermine both morale and effectiveness. Years of conducting such drives should have resulted in refined security protocols. Instead, responses continue to appear reactive, with personnel often deployed without specialised training or adequate equipment. Polio duty is not conventional policing. It demands targeted and tactical training along with situational awareness.

To tighten the execution of these drives while ensuring that no lives are lost, security teams must undergo focused pre-deployment training tailored to the risks associated with polio campaigns. Protective gear and reliable communication systems must be standard issue. Intelligence coordination between health authorities and law enforcement must be strengthened to ensure that teams are not sent into known danger zones without preparation. A unified command structure on the ground can further ensure swift and coordinated responses in case of threats.