BAJUR (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), Pakistan: At least five police officials were martyred and over 10 others wounded in a bomb explosion targeting a police vehicle in Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district on Monday morning, local media reported.
According to police, the officials were going to provide security to polio vaccination teams. They feared more deaths in the incident. The deceased and injured have been shifted to Khar hospital, where an emergency has been declared.
A police van was targeted in the terrorist attack as the nationwide anti-polio campaign commenced. The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near the vehicle, resulting in the loss of five policemen and over a dozen injuries. The targeted policemen were en route to assume their roles in conducting the crucial national polio campaign.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan is one of the few countries where the polio virus still exists, while it has been eradicated in other parts of the world. Samples indicate the presence of the wild polio virus in certain areas of Afghanistan, and the volatile situation in the region contributes to the challenge of eradication efforts.
Pakistan has faced resistance to polio vaccination, with a significant portion of the public skeptical about the government’s sincerity, especially considering its failure to provide basic necessities such as clean drinking water. Concerns about the administration of polio drops, including allegations of unsafe practices, expired and contaminated doses, have led to public backlash and fear.
Despite the government’s attempts to involve religious scholars in public persuasion, many individuals question the necessity of forcibly administering polio vaccines. There is a widespread belief that it should be a parent’s choice, accompanied by concerns about undisclosed information regarding the vaccine’s contents.
The tragic start to the nationwide week-long polio campaign underscores the need for policymakers to revisit their strategies. In regions like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where primitive lifestyles and longstanding marginalization contribute to resentment, the success of the campaign requires transparent communication and addressing public concerns.
Rescue teams have swiftly responded, shifting the victims’ bodies and the injured to local hospitals. Investigations are ongoing to determine the nature of the explosion, and as of now, no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the blast. The incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with vital public health campaigns in regions with complex socio-political dynamics.
