Two policemen martyred while guarding polio team in Noshki
The policemen were performing security duties for the ongoing polio vaccination campaign when they came under fire, according to security sources.
The attack took place in Killi Jamalabad, an area of Noshki district in Balochistan. The bodies of the martyred policemen were shifted to Noshki Teaching Hospital.
Police personnel targeted while protecting polio workers
The policemen were deployed to protect members of the polio vaccination team during their work in the area. Security personnel are regularly assigned to accompany vaccination teams in areas where security threats remain a concern.
The latest attack highlights the risks faced by those involved in Pakistan’s polio eradication campaign. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that insecurity, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, continues to create operational challenges for vaccination activities.
Martyrs identified as Muhammad Yasir and Abdul Rauf
The two martyred policemen were identified as Muhammad Yasir and Abdul Rauf. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over their deaths and strongly condemned the attack.
Naqvi said targeting people who were working to protect the future of children was a “heinous and unforgivable” act. He added that those responsible for the attack should be punished.
Balochistan official condemns attack
Balochistan government adviser on home affairs Babar Yousafzai also condemned the attack.
He described the incident as an assault on efforts aimed at protecting the future of children in the province. Yousafzai said violent elements were opposed to peace and development in Balochistan.
He also alleged that Fitna al-Hindustan was working against peace and the future of children in the province. The statement came in the aftermath of the attack, while no responsibility for the shooting had been immediately established.
Attack raises concerns over polio campaign
The attack comes as Pakistan continues efforts to protect children from poliovirus. Vaccination teams visit communities during campaigns to provide polio drops to children and help stop the spread of the disease.
The safety of these teams remains an important concern in areas affected by violence and insecurity.
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The WHO said in August that Pakistan had reported one wild poliovirus type 1 case in 2026 at that point, while transmission remained a concern in several parts of the country. The organisation also said vaccination campaigns in Pakistan continued despite operational and security challenges.
Security remains a major challenge
Polio teams often require police protection when working in areas considered vulnerable to attacks. Previous incidents have also shown that security personnel assigned to protect vaccination workers can themselves become targets.
The WHO has specifically highlighted insecurity in Balochistan as one of the factors affecting the quality and reach of vaccination campaigns. Such incidents can also create fear among health workers and communities involved in vaccination activities.
Pakistan continues polio eradication efforts
Pakistan remains one of the two countries where wild poliovirus transmission continues. According to the WHO, Pakistan conducted nationwide vaccination campaigns in 2026 as part of its efforts to interrupt transmission.
The organisation has stressed the need to maintain high-quality immunisation activities and ensure that children in all areas are reached. Security is therefore an important part of keeping vaccination campaigns running in high-risk areas.
Investigation into Noshki shooting
Authorities are expected to investigate the attack and identify those responsible. The motive behind the shooting has not been independently established.
Security officials will also assess the circumstances surrounding the attack and the security arrangements for the vaccination team. No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the incident in the available reports.
Why attacks on polio teams are a serious concern
Polio vaccination campaigns depend on workers being able to reach children in communities across the country. When violence targets vaccination teams or their security personnel, it can disrupt these efforts and create additional risks for health workers.
The WHO has warned that insecurity can limit access to children and affect the quality of vaccination campaigns. The Noshki attack has once again brought attention to the difficult conditions faced by personnel working to protect children from polio.
