Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the recent violence against a polio team in Union Council (UC) 69 of Dataganj Bakhsh Town. In response, she has demanded a comprehensive report on the incident.
"Polio workers are fulfilling a national duty by protecting children from lifelong disability," said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
She emphasized the need for foolproof security arrangements during the ongoing anti-polio campaign, crucial to safeguarding workers and the community.
According to the police, more than 12,000 personnel have been deployed across the province to ensure the safety of polio workers. Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamiana assured that a security alert would remain in effect until the successful completion of the campaign on September 15.
CCPO Kamiana further stated that SHOs in all regions have been instructed to monitor the security situation closely. "No negligence will be tolerated in protecting anti-polio teams," he added.
The CM reiterated the provincial government's commitment to ensuring that every child is vaccinated while ensuring that the brave polio workers conducting this vital work are provided with the utmost protection.
Accused arrested
Lahore Police arrested the accused involved in a quarrel with the polio team in the Shafiqabad area of Lahore including women and a man.
A case has been registered against the arrested accused in the complaint of the polio team area supervisor.
Police said the accused refused to administer polio drops and tortured the polio team. Lahore police said the safety of all polio workers is being ensured by Lahore Police.
Latest statistics
Special Anti-Polio Campaign, so far more than 12 lakh children have been given drops.
Over 419, 700 children were administered polio drops on the third day of the campaign. As per the briefing, 299,316 houses were covered during the polio vaccination drive.
Lahore deputy commissioner said in refusal cases, parents should be persuaded to give drops to children.
Bannu incident
Tragedy struck in Tehsil Dumail of Bannu when unknown assailants opened fire on a polio vaccination team near a refugee camp. A police constable, Noor Alam, who was on security duty for the team, was martyred in the attack.
In response to the incident, police personnel left their duties and organized a sit-in protest at Maulana Abdul Sattar Chowk. The protest, sparked by concerns over the safety of police officials during security duties, saw officers demanding enhanced protection and better working conditions.
District Police Officers (DPOs) quickly arrived at the scene to address the protest, urging the officials to end their demonstration. However, the protesting officers refused, stating that their sit-in would continue until their demands were met.
