Violence Erupts During Polio Vaccination Drive in Karachi, Six Arrested

Security Challenges Persist as Polio Teams Face Resistance Amid Critical Immunisation Efforts in Pakistan

Karachi [Pakistan], December 21: Six individuals, including four women and two men, were arrested on Friday after an alleged attack on a polio vaccination team and their police escorts in Karachi’s Korangi area, according to Dawn.

The incident occurred in an informal settlement during a week-long polio immunisation drive launched by the Sindh government, aiming to vaccinate 10.6 million children under five. The campaign comes in response to 64 reported polio cases in Pakistan this year, 18 of which were from Sindh.

Escalation at Korangi-2, Sector-20

The vaccination team, accompanied by police officers, was conducting door-to-door immunisations when they encountered resistance from a tribal family. According to Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kamran Khan, the situation escalated when members of the household began hurling stones at the team and security personnel.

As tensions rose, the Korangi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), along with female police officers and Rangers, arrived to contain the chaos. Despite intervention, two armed men emerged from the house and reportedly began assaulting the vaccination personnel and police officers.

Swift Police Action

Authorities managed to arrest six individuals after significant resistance, while others involved reportedly fled the scene. Two shovels were recovered from the suspects.

Government Condemnation

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah strongly condemned the attack, stating that violence against health workers would not be tolerated. Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police Javed Odho briefed the Chief Minister, confirming swift action against the perpetrators.

The Chief Minister ordered all deputy commissioners to review security protocols for vaccination teams and instructed the Korangi district commissioner to personally meet the affected team to offer support. Additionally, Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah stressed that the safety of polio workers remains paramount and assured proper medical treatment for those injured.

Legal Action Taken

The Korangi police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including rioting, obstructing public servants, and causing physical harm.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by health and security teams working to eliminate polio in Pakistan. Public resistance, fueled by misinformation and cultural barriers, continues to pose a significant obstacle in the nation’s fight against this preventable disease.

A Call for Collective Responsibility

Authorities have reiterated the need for public cooperation and enhanced security measures to ensure the success of future immunisation campaigns.