Noshki: PM Shehbaz condemns attack on polio vaccination team

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting a polio vaccination team in Noshki, Balochistan, which resulted in the killing of police official Abdul Wahid.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the security personnel and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. He prayed for patience and strength for the martyred officer’s relatives.

“Attacks on polio teams working to secure children’s future are intolerable,” the PM declared, stating that such acts of violence against health workers were unacceptable.

Nationwide polio campaign begins today

The prime minister directed authorities to take strict action against “anti-state elements” attempting to sabotage polio eradication efforts. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing the vaccination campaign despite security challenges.

The incident comes as Pakistan pushes to eliminate the crippling disease, with frontline health workers frequently facing threats in certain regions. Security has been heightened for polio teams operating in high-risk areas across the country.

Nationwide anti-polio begins

The latest anti-polio campaign kicked off on Monday as Federal health minister Mustafa Kamal stressed the critical need for vaccination against the incurable yet preventable disease. The minister revealed that polio virus traces have been detected in 50 districts across Pakistan, marking them as high-risk areas requiring urgent intervention.

In a significant move, Pakistan and Afghanistan have synchronised their vaccination efforts, though the campaign will not cover Afghanistan’s Kandahar region. Minister Kamal made a passionate appeal to parents, stating, “Polio isn’t political — it’s about our future generations,” while urging them to reject vaccine misinformation. He said, “Unlike cancer, polio has no cure. Vaccination is the only shield.”