BAJAUR: The anti-polio campaign was kicked off in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday amid strict security measures to avoid any eventuality during the first drive of 2026.

In Bajaur district, the launching ceremony of the seven-day anti-polio drive was held at deputy commissioner’s office in Civil Colony, Khar.

Dr Hayat Afridi, acting district health officer (DHO), told journalists that about 254,000 children would be vaccinated during the campaign that would continue until February 8.

He said that 1,060 teams were constituted for the purpose. He said that “demand-based refusal” posed a significant challenge for health department in making the drive successful.

People urged to cooperate with vaccinators

“Demand-based refusal has become a major challenge for making campaigns effective and results-oriented. I request all the residents across the district to avoid making demands during the drive,” he said.

Police said in a statement that foolproof security arrangements were made for the campaign to ensure safety of polio workers in the district.

The anti-polio campaign was also launched in Tank district amid tight security arrangements put in place by district police. Police have deployed officials across all sectors of the district to provide foolproof security to vaccinators during the campaign.

According to a police spokesperson, continuous monitoring, field visits and close coordination with other law enforcement agencies have been ensured to maintain a safe environment throughout the vaccination drive.

The campaign has also been launched in Mohmand district amid strict and foolproof security arrangements.

DPO Raza Mohammad formally inaugurated the campaign by administering polio drops to children under the age of five during visits to various basic health units (BHUs).

According to officials, a total of 1,700 police personnel have been deployed across the district to ensure security of polio teams during the campaign.

The DPO visited several BHUs, including those in Kashmir Kor, Kasai and Sangar Mian Gan, where he met doctors and polio workers and reviewed security measures.

In Charsadda district, DPO Mohammad Waqas Khan visited different areas of Tangi in connection with anti-polio campaign and reviewed security arrangements.

He also visited Mandani police station, where he met police officers and personnel deployed for polio duty. He issued instructions to them to remain alert, keep a close watch on suspicious activities and provide complete security to polio teams at all costs.

The DPO said that anti-polio campaign was a national duty and the role of police was important in its success. He said that no negligence in the security of polio teams would be tolerated. He appreciated the performance of police personnel and also appealed to people to fully cooperate with police and health teams during the polio campaign.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2026