Polio worker killed in attack on team in Bajaur

Published March 18, 2015
Polio worker Ruhullah died on the spot while Arifullah received injuries, Sherpao added. -AFP/File
Polio worker Ruhullah died on the spot while Arifullah received injuries, Sherpao added. -AFP/File

PESHAWAR: Unidentified men attacked a polio team on Wednesday in Bajaur Agency's Nawagai tehsil, killing one worker and leaving another injured.

Assistant Political Agent (APA) Nawagai Fayaz Ali Sherpao said unknown gunmen fired at polio workers Ruhullah and Arifullah as they administered polio drops to children in the Kamangara area of Nawagai tehsil near the Pak-Afghan border.

Polio worker Ruhullah died on the spot while Arifullah received injuries, Sherpao added. The injured worker was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) took responsibility of the killing.

The attack on the polio team today comes just a day after a polio team in Mansehra was attacked. Two lady health workers and a policeman were killed in Tuesday's attack.

The polio team in Mansehra was vaccinating children on the second day of a three-day anti-polio drive in the district when they were attacked.

Know more: Gunmen kill two female polio workers, policeman in Mansehra

Pakistan is one of only three countries where polio remains endemic.

Attempts to eradicate it have been badly hit by militant attacks on immunisation teams that have claimed 76 lives since December 2012.

Militants claim the polio vaccination drive is a front for espionage or a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims.

Last year, the number of polio cases recorded in Pakistan soared to 306, the highest in 14 years.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...