A militant attack targeting a polio vaccination team in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has left four police personnel injured, underscoring the persistent security threats surrounding public health campaigns in the region. According to officials, gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle assigned to protect members of the polio vaccination team in the Hangu district. The attack occurred shortly after the launch of a nationwide immunisation drive aimed at vaccinating millions of children against the poliovirus.

Police personnel accompanying such teams are often deployed to ensure the safety of health workers, who have frequently been targeted by militant groups. In the latest incident, security forces retaliated, reportedly killing two attackers, while the injured officers were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. 

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion has fallen on extremist outfits such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has a history of carrying out similar attacks in the region. These groups often oppose polio vaccination campaigns, spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about the vaccines.

Pakistan remains one of the last countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated, alongside Afghanistan. Despite significant progress in recent years, recurring violence against vaccination teams continues to hinder eradication efforts. Health officials warn that such attacks not only endanger lives but also disrupt critical campaigns aimed at protecting children from the disease. The incident highlights the broader challenge faced by Pakistani authorities in balancing counterterrorism efforts with essential public health initiatives. As the vaccination drive continues, security measures are expected to be intensified to safeguard frontline workers and ensure the campaign’s success.