A police constable was martyred on Wednesday after unidentified armed men opened fire on a polio team in Dera Murad Jamali, officials confirmed.
According to police sources, the polio team was returning home during a lunch break when attackers riding motorcycles targeted the police personnel assigned for their security. As a result of the firing, Constable Farhan Bashir was martyred on the spot.
“A constable was martyred after armed men opened fire on police personnel. However, the other members of the team remained unhurt,” a local police official said.
Attack Details and Investigation
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said that the assailants fired around ten 9mm bullets at the constable, causing fatal injuries. The attackers managed to flee the scene immediately after the incident.
A source has attributed the attack to a banned militant outfit, although no group has officially claimed responsibility so far.
Police have launched a search operation in the area to trace and apprehend those involved in the attack.
Polio Campaign to Continue Despite Attack
Despite the tragic incident, Deputy Commissioner Nasirabad, Zulfiqar Ali Karrar, reaffirmed that the anti-polio campaign would continue across the district.
Pakistan recently launched its second nationwide polio vaccination drive of the year, aiming to immunize more than 45 million children under the age of five.
Similar Attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On the same day, another attack targeted law enforcement personnel in Hangu, where a police constable was martyred and four others were injured while heading to provide security for polio teams.
Condemnation from Polio Programme Officials
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative expressed deep concern over the attacks in both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Prime Minister’s focal person on polio eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, condemned the incident and extended condolences to the family of the martyred constable.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and stand in solidarity with our law enforcement personnel and frontline workers who continue to serve despite these risks,” she said.
She emphasized that such acts of violence would not deter Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, adding that the safety of frontline workers remains a top priority.
