Five police personnel martyred while ten others were injured when their vehicle was bombed in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday morning. The police party was on its way to escort security to vaccinators taking part in an anti-polio campaign in Bailut Farsh area of Sel Mamond in Bajaur district when their truck in which they were travelling was exploded with a bang. Doctors at a local hospital have informed journalists that so far two dead bodies have been brought to the facility. Police investigators rushed to the explosion site and collected evidence. They said the police vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled bomb. The KP government had inaugurated the first “National Immunisation Days” of the current year at the provincial level on Friday last, with commitment to eradicate polio from the region. KP officials said despite challenges the government will continue its course with re-invigorated spirit for delivering its promise to ensure a healthier and safer future for the children of the country. They said despite weather challenges anti-polio teams were committed to reaching every household with eligible children to ensure their vaccination in every campaign.

The campaign began today and was meant to vaccinate all children up to the age of five against polio. It may be mentioned that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen a string of terrorist attacks in recent days. Yesterday, four people including a woman and two security guards were killed when unknown armed men opened fire on their vehicles on Sada bypass in Kurram district. Armed men targeted a car and a flying coach going from Parachinar to Peshawar. As a result of the firing, the driver of one vehicle, two security personnel and a woman were killed on the spot while three others were seriously injured and were shifted to the hospital. Kurram District Police Officer said that as soon as the incident was reported, a heavy police contingent reached the scene. He said that the entire district has been cordoned off to arrest the attackers. It bears mentioning here that in December 2023, eight people were killed including two security personnel and many were injured as a result of firing on a passenger bus in Chilas.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)