SWAT – A tragic incident occurred in the Arkot area of Matta Tehsil, Swat, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on a polio vaccination team on Tuesday. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of Levies personnel Abdul Kabir, who was providing security to the health workers as part of the ongoing anti-polio campaign.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Swat Muhammad Umar, the assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack. A large contingent of police and security forces swiftly reached the area, cordoned it off, and launched an extensive search operation to track down the perpetrators.
The vaccination team members narrowly escaped harm but were left deeply shaken by the assault. Local authorities have temporarily suspended the polio drive in the area as a precautionary measure.
This attack once again underscores the persistent threats faced by frontline health workers and security personnel engaged in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where extremist elements have repeatedly targeted such teams.
Provincial authorities and law enforcement agencies have condemned the attack, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. Social and health organizations have also expressed grief and solidarity with the slain officer’s family, reaffirming that the campaign against polio will continue despite such tragic incidents.
