Two cops providing security to polio teams killed in targeted attacks in Bajaur

Two police officers providing security for polio vaccination teams were martyred on Monday in separate targeted attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) Bajaur.

District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid told The Express Tribune the first attack occurred in the Qila Nazakai area of Salarzai, where Constable Syed Aziz, assigned to protect a polio team, was shot by unidentified gunmen and died at the scene.

“While authorities conducted investigations and search operations following the first attack, a second attack took place in the village of Tabei. Constable Syed Qadir Shah, returning from polio duty, was shot in indiscriminate firing and succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

At Bajaur police lines, the bodies of the two officers were laid to rest with funeral prayers attended by Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali, Pakistan Peoples Party President Haji Sher Bahadur, Awami National Party leader Syed Sadiq Akbar, police and security officials, and representatives of various local communities.

Read More: Police officer martyred, four injured in attack on polio team in K-P

Following the attacks, district authorities and police increased security across Salarzai and the wider Bajaur district. Search operations continue in the affected areas to apprehend the perpetrators.

K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attacks, calling the incidents cowardly acts, and instructed the inspector general of police to submit a detailed report.

“Targeting officials serving a national duty is an extremely cowardly act. Terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious intentions,” Afridi said.

He assured the families of the deceased that the provincial government stood with them in their grief and would provide all possible support.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the attacks, saying they were carried out by forces hostile to the country and humanity, supported by India.

“The terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two police officers is deeply tragic,” he said.

He also praised the bravery of the police personnel, adding, “The people of K-P take pride in their martyrs and heroes in the police force.”

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan described the attacks as “extremely cowardly acts” and condemned the incidents.

He paid tribute to the bravery of the fallen officers, saying, “The sacrifices of K-P’s courageous police personnel will always be remembered.”

The minister also assured the provincial government’s full support to the families of the deceased.

The incident occurred as the government launched a week-long polio vaccination campaign in 79 high-risk districts across the country, targeting more than 19 million children for polio drops.

Last month, a police officer was martyred and four others were injured when gunmen opened fire on personnel deployed to protect polio vaccination teams in K-P’s Hangu. In February, a police officer was also martyred when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a polio vaccination team in the Roghani area of Chaman.

Polio workers, who conduct door-to-door immunisation drives, have frequently been targeted by militants, particularly in K-P and Balochistan. In 2024 alone, at least 20 people were killed and 53 were injured during anti-polio operations in the province.