SWAT/ISLAMABAD: A Levies constable protecting a polio vaccination team was martyred on Tuesday when unidentified assailants shot him in the Enzergae Dag area of Swat’s Matta tehsil.

The incident drew sharp condemnation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who termed the attack on those serving the cause of child health “intolerable”, and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to not allow terrorists to derail efforts to secure future generations.

According to officials, Levies constable Abdul Ka­bir was standing guard outside while two women health workers administered vaccines inside a house on Byakand Road, when the attackers opened fire.

The officials said the constable was martyred on the spot, while the assailants managed to flee the scene.

Police and law enforcement agencies immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

“No anti-state element will be allowed to sabotage peace in Swat. Those responsible will be brought to justice,” District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan said.

The attack came a day after the launch of the latest nationwide polio eradication campaign, aimed at vaccinating millions of children across Pakistan.

The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and Expanded Programme on Imm­un­isation (EPI) also expressed deep sorrow and condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

“EPI is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Levies Constable Abdul Kabir.

He was performing his duties with dedication, protecting a polio team working to safeguard Pakistan’s children. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” the statement read.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Era­dication, said, “Our frontline and security personnel are the lifeline of the polio programme, serving with courage and commitment. We stand in solidarity with all frontline workers and honour their sacrifice. This tragedy str­en­gthens our resolve to continue our mission to eradicate polio.”

PM Shehbaz also strongly condemned the terrorist attack, expressing grief over the martyrdom of Levies Constable Abdul Kabir and praying for the departed soul.

“The government is fully committed to the complete eradication of polio from the country. Despite such cowardly acts, our anti-polio campaign will continue with full momentum until the disease is completely eliminated,” he said.

With input from APP

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2025