Bajaur: At least two individuals, including a police constable, were killed in an attack on a polio vaccination team in Pakistan, as reported by officials and police. The incident occurred in the Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, marking a tragic setback for public health efforts in the region. The policeman who was tasked with guarding the team and a civilian were the victims of this attack.

According to Anadolu Agency, the attack coincided with the commencement of the final polio vaccination campaign of 2025, which is scheduled to run until December 21. This campaign involves more than 400,000 vaccinators who are working to administer the polio vaccine to children under the age of five. Israr Khan, a police spokesperson, informed the Dawn newspaper that constable Sajad Ahmed succumbed to critical injuries, while a civilian was shot and killed while attempting to pursue the armed assailants.

The attackers managed to escape, prompting a police search operation. Fortunately, no polio workers were harmed during the incident. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized that the vaccination campaign would continue unabated, according to a statement released by his spokesperson.

Militants have previously targeted polio vaccinators in Pakistan. In 2024, the province witnessed the deaths of 20 individuals and injuries to 53 others during similar immunization campaigns. No group has claimed responsibility for the recent attack.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed condemnation of the attack and committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Pakistan has reported 30 polio cases this year, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa accounting for 19 of these cases.