Maps
Magazine

HEALTH

KP CM Gandapur Condemns Attacks on Polio Teams, Calls for Action Against Perpetrators
KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur condemns attacks on vaccination teams in Karak & Bannu. A police officer embraced martyrdom, and two workers were injured. Efforts to eradicate polio continue undeterred.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-16
KP CM Gandapur Condemns Attacks on Polio Teams, Calls for Action Against Perpetrators

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday strongly condemned the attacks on polio teams in Karak and Bannu districts, which resulted in the martyrdom of a police officer and injuries to two polio workers. He directed senior police officials to take immediate action against those responsible for these heinous acts.

The attacks occurred a day after Pakistan launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign, aiming to combat the resurgent disease that primarily affects children under five and can cause lifelong paralysis. Pakistan, alongside Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries where polio is still endemic.

Details of the Incidents

In a press release issued by the CM office, it was confirmed that unknown assailants targeted polio teams in KP’s Karak and Bannu districts. In Karak’s Banda Daud Shah tehsil, a police officer protecting the vaccination team was martyred, and a polio worker was injured when gunmen opened fire. The statement did not specify casualty details in Bannu.

Chief Minister Gandapur expressed grief over the police officer’s martyrdom and assured financial support for the bereaved family. He also extended sympathies to the injured polio workers, directing authorities to provide them with the best medical treatment and ensure the safety of future vaccination campaigns.

“Those who attack anti-polio teams are enemies of our children’s secure future,” Gandapur stated. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to eradicate polio and praised frontline workers for their heroic efforts.

National Leaders Condemn Attacks

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack in Karak, expressing grief over the loss of life. He urged the public to participate actively in the polio eradication campaign, calling the attacks an attempt by terrorists to undermine Pakistan’s prosperity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incidents and instructed immediate medical aid for the injured. “These acts of violence will not dampen our morale,” he stated in a post on X, reaffirming the government’s resolve to combat polio.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi termed the attacks “an assault on Pakistan’s future.” He emphasized the vital role of polio workers and their security personnel, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding them.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the attacks as “cowardly” and directed authorities to ensure the injured received the best medical care.

Polio Eradication Efforts Under Threat

Over the past decade, Pakistan has faced significant challenges in its fight against polio, including security threats, misinformation, and vaccine hesitancy. Hundreds of polio workers and their security personnel have lost their lives, particularly in KP, where militants frequently target teams working to protect children’s health.

Despite these challenges, the government remains steadfast. In September and October alone, multiple attacks on polio teams and their security details claimed the lives of police officers and health workers.

The KP government has vowed to enhance the security of anti-polio teams. CM Gandapur emphasized that such attacks would not deter efforts to eradicate the disease. “Frontline anti-polio workers are our heroes and benefactors,” he said.

As Pakistan continues its battle against polio, leaders have called for unity and collective action to secure a polio-free future for the nation’s children.
Tagged:

EndPolio

PakistanPolio

ChildHealth

VaccinationSafety
Share News: