Escalating Violence: Attacks on Polio Workers in Pakistan

Unknown gunmen killed a policeman providing security for polio vaccinators in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This marks the second attack within 24 hours and the third since Monday, leading to significant unrest and protests among the police force. Militants frequently target polio workers in the region.

In Pakistan's troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, unidentified gunmen fatally shot a policeman on duty with a team of polio vaccinators. The attack, occurring in Bannu district bordering Afghanistan, marks the second such incident within a 24-hour period and the third since the start of the week.

Authorities have identified the slain officer as constable Noor Alam, who was killed when gunmen on motorbikes fired at the polio team. Following the attack, the assailants managed to flee the scene. An outraged mob subsequently placed Alam's body in front of the police lines to protest the increasing number of targeted attacks on police officers assigned to protect polio teams.

On Wednesday, another assault in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur district left police constable Alam Khan and a polio worker dead. This recent spike in attacks has led to widespread protests among police forces in Lakki Marwat district. The violence has also prompted the government to intensify its vaccination efforts, particularly as 12 new polio cases have been reported in Balochistan this year alone.

(With inputs from agencies.)