Pakistan: Two Policemen Killed in Attack on Polio Team in Balochistan’s Nushki

QUETTA (Terror Monitor) — Two policemen providing security to a polio vaccination team were killed when unidentified armed terrorists opened fire on them in Nushki district of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, police said.

The attack took place in the Zahrabad area on the outskirts of Nushki city, according to local police. The attackers targeted the policemen assigned to protect a team of female polio workers.

Police identified the slain personnel as Constable Muhammad Yasir and Constable Abdul Rauf.

Authorities said the female members of the polio vaccination team remained safe during the attack. The attackers fled the scene after seizing the weapons carried by the two policemen, according to police.

Nushki Superintendent of Police Saleem Shahwani said an investigation into the incident was underway and efforts had been launched to identify and arrest those responsible.

The attack comes as Pakistan continues nationwide efforts to eradicate polio, with vaccination teams frequently requiring security escorts in areas affected by militant violence. Security personnel assigned to protect vaccination workers have previously been targeted in attacks in different parts of the country.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau condemned the attack on the polio team.

Langau also sought a report on the incident from the Balochistan Inspector General of Police and the Additional Secretary of the Home Department.

Authorities said further details would be released as the investigation progresses.