Soldier martyred in attack on polio team in North Waziristan

Terrorists opened fire on security forces guarding a polio vaccination team in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan district on Wednesday, martyring one soldier and leaving another injured. According to the military's media wing, the terrorists attempted to disrupt the ongoing polio campaign by firing on the members of the polio team in Spinwam. Security forces deputed to provide protection to the polio worker effectively engaged the terrorists, ensuring the safety of all members and extricating them unharmed. "During ensuing fire exchange between security forces and the terrorists, Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman (age 25 years, resident of District Mardan) sacrificed his life in the line of duty, embracing Shahadat [martyrdom]," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release. It added that sanitisation of the area was being carried out following the attack to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. "Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve," the ISPR said.   Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack on the polio team in North Waziristan. Bilawal expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the martyred worker and conveyed solidarity with them. The foreign minister said that he hopes the authorities will swiftly apprehend the terrorists involved in the attack and bring them to justice. Pakistan is determined to eradicate not only the polio virus but also uproot elements working against the polio campaign worker from its territory, he said. Also read Two terrorists killed in North Waziristan intel-based operation Terrorist attacks on polio vaccination workers have been a recurring issue in the northwestern parts of Pakistan. The attacks pose a significant threat to the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio from the country. Pakistan is one of the last countries in the world where polio remains endemic, and the government has been actively working to combat the disease through vaccination campaigns. However, conservative beliefs and conspiracy theories have hindered progress in some areas, with a faction believing that the polio vaccine is part of a larger conspiracy. This misinformation has fueled resistance and distrust among certain communities, making it challenging for health workers to administer the vaccine and reach every child in need. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains committed to eliminating polio and has implemented various strategies to address the issue, including enhanced security measures and awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions surrounding the vaccine.

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