Yasmeen was on her way to bazaar to buy vegetables when she was targeted.
A female polio worker was gunned down by two armed men on a motorcycle in the cantonment area of Bannu on Monday. The shooting occurred at around 8:30 in the morning, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanaullah Khan Marwat.
Marwat identified the victim as Fehmida Yasmeen, wife of Sattar Shah, a resident of Sokari Zabita Khan. Yasmeen was shot dead while she was going to a market near Abi Talha Masjid in Bannu cantonment.
The woman’s son Arif Ali Shah – a police constable who is posted at City Police Station Bannu – Marwat said Yasmeen was on her way to the cantonment bazaar to buy vegetables and routine household items when she was intercepted by the assailants. The attackers fled soon after shooting her.
As a result of the attack Yaseem was severely injured. Pedestrians rushed her to a hospital but she succumbed to her injuries on the way, the DSP said referring to the statement of her son.
“Yasmeen was a private polio worker, who used to take active part during polio campaigns in Bannu,” Marwat said.
Police have filed a case against unidentified miscreants and further investigations were under way.
A number of polio workers have been targeted particularly in Fata over the past few months. But it is the first such attack to take place in Bannu, the first polio case was officially reported on June 23, 2011.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2014.
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I want to offer unreserved appreciation to all Polio workers all over the World. The successes achieved in the eradication of this avoidable disease was as a result of their unrelented effort they have put in this noble cause.
Those still on the field all over the World no matter how far or near you are to your native land, do not let all these negative incidence cloud your eyes but always be reminded of the successes and victory of the past to enhance your interest in the work.
The Lord will continually strrnhhtrn you in Jesus name. Amen.