A tragic incident occurred in the Arkot area of Matta tehsil in Swat, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on a polio vaccination team, resulting in the martyrdom of a Levies official. The attack took place while health workers were administering polio drops to children as part of an ongoing national anti-polio campaign.

According to Swat DPO Muhammad Umar, Levies official Abdul Kabir was providing security to women health workers who were vaccinating children inside a house when the attackers suddenly opened fire. The officer was stationed outside the home to ensure the team’s safety. Kabir was critically injured and embraced martyrdom on the spot. His body was later shifted to a nearby hospital by local authorities.

Following the incident, a heavy contingent of police surrounded the area, launching a search operation to trace the attackers. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack on the anti-polio team in Matta, paying tribute to the martyred Levies official for sacrificing his life while performing his duty. 

“Abdul Kabir attained the high status of martyrdom while protecting those securing the future of our children,” Naqvi said. He extended sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing that those who attack polio workers do not deserve mercy. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)