ISLAMABAD: While 27 million children out of targeted 45m have been vaccinated against polio during the ongoing immunisation drive across the country, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) has expressed deep concern and condemned three attacks on security personnel escorting polio teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In separate incidents in Bannu, Hangu and Nasirabad, polio teams and accompanying security personnel were targeted by unidentified militants. In Nasirabad, a police constable embraced martyrdom while on duty with a polio vaccination team, while another official sustained injuries.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, prime minister’s focal person on polio eradication, condemned the incidents, stating: “Today’s attacks are unacceptable. We are deeply saddened by the martyrdom of police official Farhan Bashir, who laid down his life in the line of duty while protecting those working to safeguard our children.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and stand in solidarity with our law enforcement personnel and frontline workers who continue to serve despite these risks. Their courage reflects the best of our national spirit, and we will not allow such acts of violence to undermine this vital mission. The safety of our teams remains non-negotiable,” she said in a statement.
Over half of targeted children vaccinated during drive
“The programme stands in unwavering solidarity with all affected teams and security personnel. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication remains resolute. These acts will not deter our collective mission,” the statement added.
Vitamin A dose
Meanwhile, the second National Polio Eradication Campaign of 2026 continued across the country on its third day on Wednesday, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) said. It added that more than 400,000 polio workers were going door to door to administer polio drops to children nationwide. During the campaign, children are also being provided supplementary doses of vitamin A.
“The campaign is being conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of coordinated regional efforts to eradicate polio. In the first two days, over 27m children have been vaccinated across the country.
“In Punjab, over 14.2m children have been vaccinated; in Sindh, over 6.035m; in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over 4.323m; in Balochistan, over 1.425 million; in Islamabad, approximately 283,000; in Gilgit-Baltistan, over 188,000; and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 475,000 children,” it stated.
The campaign will continue uninterrupted till April 19, with authorities aiming to reach 45 million children under the age of five. Officials say repeated immunisation rounds are essential to ensure every child is protected, particularly in high-risk and hard-to-reach areas.
Polio remains an incurable viral disease that can cause lifelong paralysis, primarily affecting young children. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where the wild poliovirus remains endemic, making coordinated cross-border campaigns critical for its eradication.
Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026
