Policeman guarding polio team shot dead in Noshki

NOSHKI, BALOCHISTAN: A policeman assigned to protect a polio vaccination team was tragically shot dead on Tuesday in Balochistan’s Noshki district, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s third national anti-polio campaign of 2025, launched just two days earlier.

The martyred police official, Waheed Ahmed, was guarding vaccinators in Killi Muhammad Hassni, when unidentified assailants opened fire and fled. Authorities have launched a manhunt with checkpoints established across the region to locate the attackers.

This deadly incident occurred during a nationwide immunisation drive aimed at protecting over 45 million children under the age of five from the crippling poliovirus, a disease that remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Authorities condemn the attack, reaffirm commitment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and top federal and provincial officials strongly condemned the attack, calling it an “intolerable act against national interest”.

“This is an attack on Pakistan’s future. The entire nation stands with our frontline polio workers and security officials,” PM Shehbaz Sharif stated, vowing strict action against those sabotaging the anti-polio drive.

President Zardari lauded the sacrifice of the martyred officer, urging citizens to open their doors to vaccinators.

“We have the tools, the will, and the global support to eradicate polio. Let’s not allow fear to win,” said the President.

He also commended Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari for her continued advocacy, which has played a pivotal role in raising awareness and mobilizing public cooperation.

Polio eradication drive continues despite threats

Despite the tragic incident, Deputy Commissioner Amjad Hussain Soomro confirmed that the polio campaign in Noshki is continuing as planned.

“This cowardly act will not deter our resolve. The health department's targets will be met,” he assured.

Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar described the shooting as “inhumane” and declared it a direct challenge to the writ of the state, adding that the martyred officer is a national hero.

Why this campaign matters now more than ever

The Pakistan Polio Programme launched this third nationwide round under its 2-4-6 roadmap, aiming to disrupt virus transmission before high season.

“Polio eradication is not just a health goal—it’s a national imperative,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, during the launch at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad.

The campaign is backed by over 400,000 trained workers, including 225,000 women vaccinators, operating under tight security in high-risk zones like Karachi, South KP, and Quetta Block.

Current status of polio in Pakistan

• 10 confirmed polio cases reported so far in 2025
• 2 new cases emerged recently in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Virus detected in 272 sewage samples from 127 sites in 68 districts
• Environmental surveillance indicates continued circulation despite progress

Public urged to support vaccination efforts

Officials and global partners like UNICEF stress the urgency of full public cooperation. The Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline 1166 and WhatsApp services are open for reporting missed children.

UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil praised Pakistan’s recent gains, saying:

“Pakistan is closer than ever to making history. With political will, public support, and safety for workers, we can achieve a polio-free future.”

Conclusion: National unity against a common threat

The Noshki attack underscores the immense sacrifices made by frontline health and law enforcement workers in Pakistan’s fight against polio. The government’s message is clear:
The polio eradication mission will continue—stronger, safer, and with renewed resolve.

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