Officer, bystander killed protecting polio drive

Suspected militants targeted a police officer guarding polio workers in Pakistan's Bajaur district on Tuesday, resulting in the officer's death and also killing a bystander. The attack occurred during a nationwide vaccination campaign, though no polio workers were harmed. This violence underscores the persistent challenges in eradicating polio in the country.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the shooting. However, suspicion often falls on groups like the Pakistani Taliban, who have been linked to similar attacks. These militant factions falsely promote the narrative that polio vaccinations are a Western plot to sterilize children, fueling opposition to the health efforts.

Despite the dangers, Pakistan remains committed to its polio eradication program. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed to take strong action. The nation has reported a decrease in polio cases this year compared to last, but along with Afghanistan, it remains one of the last two countries where the disease persists.