Polio worker's residence in Kurram Agency set ablaze

Published January 3, 2015
Polio team members have been frequently attacked by extremist militants alleging that polio vaccination is a cover for espionage or a Western-conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. - Reuters/File
Polio team members have been frequently attacked by extremist militants alleging that polio vaccination is a cover for espionage or a Western-conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. - Reuters/File

PESHAWAR: A polio worker's house was set ablaze by militants in Central Kurram Agency on Saturday, official sources said.

However, no loss of life was reported in the attack.

The political administration said militants burned down the house of polio worker Muhammad Wazir in Khattakmela, who performs duties as a polio worker.

Kurram Agency is situated in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (Fata) where there have been a number of attacks on polio workers.

Take a look at: Saving polio workers

Between July 2012 and November 2014, 57 people, including vaccinators, health workers and security personnel escorting polio teams during the door-to-door immunisation campaigns have been killed across Pakistan.

A province-wise breakdown shows that most of the casualties took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 24 people (nine health workers and 15 security personnel) were killed during this period.

Also read:Poor anti-polio drive in KP worries UN agencies

The poor polio vaccination campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have worried the UN agencies, which have been supporting the province’s immunisation programme, according to sources.

The attacks by Taliban on polio workers are cited as a reason for the health department’s inability to ensure good quality campaigns.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...