Despite assurances, govt fails to provide adequate security for Karachi polio workers

More than 12 security personnel present for DIG's security but none for polio workers

KARACHI: The Sindh government has failed to fulfil its promise of forming a Special Security Force for deployment in high risk areas during an anti-polio campaign in Karachi today (Monday), putting the lives at polio workers at risk, Express News reported.

With VIPs expected to visit the high-risk areas, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) West Karachi had inspected Sharjani Town in particular for security.

However, few security personnel were deployed for workers, whereas more than 12 security guards, including highly-trained commandos, were present for the security of the DIGP.

Polio workers are frequently targeted by militants across the country. Since December 2012, at least 30 polio vaccinators have been killed in Pakistan, along with nearly 30 police and security personnel guarding them.

Further, the Taliban's ban on vaccination in North and South Waziristan tribal areas, on the Afghan border, has left hundreds of thousands of children unprotected from the virus due to the security concern of the workers.

Rawalpindi

A five day anti-polio campaign will also commence in the district today, where polio drops will be administered to around 162,000 children below the age of five.

Executive District Officer Health Dr Zafar Iqbal said that no stone would be left unturned in efforts to make the campaign a success in Pindi.