A police officer assigned to protect a polio vaccination team was shot dead on Monday in Nushki’s Killi Muhammad Hassani area, Balochistan, in an attack by unidentified gunmen. The victim, identified as Abdul Waheed, was a resident of Jamalabad, Nushki. His body was taken to a local hospital following the assault.
The killing has been widely condemned by both provincial and federal authorities. Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, described the attack as an assault on a national cause. He paid tribute to the slain officer, saying Abdul Waheed had made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Pakistan’s children.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending his condolences to the officer’s family. He called the act “unforgivable” and vowed strict action against those responsible, stressing that attacks on health workers or their protectors would not be tolerated.
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Despite the tragedy, the seven-day anti-polio campaign continues in Balochistan. According to the Emergency Operations Center, more than 2.66 million children under five are expected to receive polio drops. Over 11,000 teams are involved in the effort, which also includes Vitamin A supplements to improve children’s immunity.
First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari urged public support for the ongoing national campaign, running from May 26 to June 1. In a social media message, she highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in eradicating polio and ensuring a healthier future for all children.