NUSHKI: A Policeman safeguarding a polio vaccination team was martyred when unidentified attackers attacked the polio team in Nushki district of Balochistan on Tuesday.
As per details, the incident occurred in the Killi Muhammad Hassani area of Nushki.
Police confirmed that the body was shifted to a hospital. The officer was identified as Abdul Waheed, a resident of Jamalabad, Nushki.
The attack drew strong condemnation from provincial and federal officials. Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and started a search operation to chase the attackers.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind condemned the incident. He said, “Polio campaigns are a national duty. Any attack on them is intolerable.” He paid tribute to the fallen officer, saying, “We salute Shaheed Abdul Waheed. He gave his life to protect Pakistan’s children.”
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack. He expressed deep grief over the officer’s martyrdom and offered condolences to the family. “We stand with Shaheed Abdul Waheed’s family during this difficult time,” he said. “He earned the highest honor — martyrdom.”
Minister Naqvi added, “Attacking those protecting our children’s future is beyond comprehension. We will deal with the attackers with an iron hand.”
Yesterday, a seven-day anti-polio drive was launched in Balochistan. The Emergency Operations Center said more than 2.66 million children under five will receive polio drops.
Teams are also giving Vitamin A supplements to boost immunity. Over 11,000 teams are working province-wide to reach every home.
First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari appealed to the public to support the campaign. In a message on X, she stressed the importance of protecting children from polio.
She said the national campaign runs from May 26 to June 1 and aims to vaccinate over 44 million children. More than 400,000 frontline workers are going door to door.
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“This is a national cause,” she said. “Join hands for a polio-free Pakistan.”
