A tragic incident occurred in the Arkot area of Matta tehsil in Swat, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on a polio vaccination team, resulting in the martyrdom of a Levies official.
The attack took place while health workers were administering polio drops to children as part of an ongoing national anti-polio campaign.
Attack during polio duty
According to Swat DPO Muhammad Umar, Levies official Abdul Kabir was providing security to women health workers who were vaccinating children inside a house when the attackers suddenly opened fire. The officer was stationed outside the home to ensure the team’s safety.
Kabir was critically injured and embraced martyrdom on the spot. His body was later shifted to a nearby hospital by local authorities. Following the incident, a heavy contingent of police surrounded the area, launching a search operation to trace the attackers.
Interior Minister Naqvi condemns attack
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack on the anti-polio team in Matta, paying tribute to the martyred Levies official for sacrificing his life while performing his duty.
“Abdul Kabir attained the high status of martyrdom while protecting those securing the future of our children,” Naqvi said. He extended sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing that those who attack polio workers do not deserve mercy.
PM Shehbaz denounces terrorist attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the polio team in Swat and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Levies official Abdul Kabir.
The PM prayed for the martyred officer and patience for his family, calling the attack on individuals performing vital public health duties “intolerable.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio from Pakistan, saying, “Despite opposition and threats, the anti-polio campaign will continue until Pakistan is completely polio-free.”
Police intensify search operation
Local police confirmed that a search operation is underway in the Arkot area to apprehend those responsible. Law enforcement officials have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that attacks on health workers will not deter the government’s vaccination drive.
