A policeman was martyred on Tuesday during a firing incident on a polio team in District Pishin in Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

As per the details, a polio team came under the hail of fire opened by the terrorists in Pishin. Police official Muhammad Hashim who was performing security duty at the time was hit by the bullet and died. 

However, the polio drive volunteers remained unscathed during the firing incident.

Pishin Deputy Commissioner Dr Yasir Khan Bazai took notice of the firing incident on the polio team and ordered for further tightening of the security of the volunteers. 

The assailants who attacked the team were riding a motorcycle. 

The security personnel cordoned off the area after the incident. 

In April, two policemen guarding a polio vaccination team in Tank were shot dead by unidentified assailants. 

Also Read: CTD foils terror bid during DIK polio drive, guns down terrorist

Hundreds of polio workers and security officials providing security to them have been killed by militants who claim vaccination programmes are part of a Western plot to sterilize Muslims.

Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic, but vaccination teams have been targeted for years by the militants in both the countries.

Minister condemns attack

Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel has condemned the firing incident on a police officer guarding the polio team in Pishin.

The Federal Minister of Health expressed his deep regrets over the loss of precious life and condoled the bereaved family of the martyr. 

“The whole nation was indebted to the martyred and their brave families in this hour of grief. The sacrifice of the police officer will not go in vain. Anti-national elements cannot demoralize us,” said the Federal Health Minister in a statement. 

He continued saying that security agencies have an important role in protecting the future of the country from disability. 

“Polio campaign is going on in 83 districts of the country and all resources are being used to eradicate polio from the country,” said the Federal Health Minster. 

Reporter: Kifayat Ali Shah 

 

Reporter Isa Tareen