By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
BAHAUR: Two people, including a police officer assigned to polio duty, were killed when unknown assailants opened fire on a polio vaccination team in the Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil on Tuesday.
The attack occurred during an anti-polio campaign when armed men targeted the team. Police constable Sajjad, who was providing security to the workers, and a civilian were killed on the spot.
Following the incident, a heavy police contingent was dispatched to the area, and law enforcement agencies launched raids at multiple locations to apprehend the attackers. District Police Officer Waqqas Rafiq said strict security measures had been in place during the ongoing campaign and that efforts were underway to arrest those responsible.
The funeral prayers for the martyred officer were held at the Police Lines in Civil Colony, Khar, attended by the Deputy Commissioner, the District Police Officer, and other civil and military officials. A smartly turned-out police contingent paid tribute by saluting the officer’s mortal remains, while officials placed floral wreaths on the coffin. After the prayers, his body was transported to his native area for burial with full state honors. Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “an assault on humanity and a national duty.” He expressed heartfelt sympathy to the families of the martyred officer and the civilian victim. Afridi emphasized that polio workers and the security personnel deployed for their protection were performing a vitalnational duty and that their sacrifices would always be remembered.
