Introduction
A tragic day unfolded in Noshki, Balochistan, on Monday when unknown gunmen killed a police officer assigned to protect a polio vaccination team. This attack adds to the ongoing violence against workers fighting to end polio in Pakistan.
What Happened
Officials said armed men attacked the officer as he stood watch over health workers vaccinating children. The shooters escaped the scene after firing several shots, killing the policeman instantly. Police arrived quickly, blocked off the area, and began searching for those responsible.
So far, no group has said they carried out the attack. Incidents like this have heightened concerns about the safety of polio workers and the police protecting them, especially in Balochistan, where attacks by militants are common.
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Security Concerns for Polio Teams
Polio vaccination drives in Pakistan—especially in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and nearby tribal areas—often face threats. Militants have spread rumors about the campaigns, calling them foreign plots. This has made some communities suspicious, putting health workers at risk. Because of these dangers, police and paramilitary forces often guard vaccination teams.
