A bomb blast in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border killed five police on polio vaccination guard duty and wounded more than 20 on Monday, the latest in a series of attacks by Islamist militants ahead of the Feb. 8 national elections.
The blast hit a truck full of police on their way to guard a polio vaccination drive in the Bajur tribal district, the police said. The Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to Reuters.
Islamist militants in Pakistan often target polio vaccination teams, claiming that the immunization effort is a Western tool to spy on them and make Muslims infertile.
The TTP has been fighting against the Pakistani government for years, aiming to overthrow it and establish a strict Islamic rule. The group intensified its attacks after revoking a ceasefire with the government last year.
The attack has raised concerns among political analysts, with some politicians suggesting a delay in the elections in the northwest region.
In the past month, a six-man suicide squad drove an explosive-laden truck into a military camp in northwest Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 soldiers. This incident marked the highest death toll in a single attack in years.
Polio vaccination efforts in Pakistan have faced significant challenges due to security threats and misinformation campaigns by extremist groups. Despite the dangers, health workers continue to risk their lives to protect children from the debilitating disease.
The international community has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Pakistan. UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated their commitment to supporting the polio eradication campaign in the country.
The Pakistani government has vowed to strengthen security measures to ensure the protection of polio vaccination teams. Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the attack, stating that such acts of violence are an assault on the progress Pakistan has made in combating polio.
Pakistani citizens have also voiced their outrage over the attack, calling for collective action to defeat terrorism and protect the lives of innocent Pakistanis, especially children.
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by militant groups in Pakistan and the challenges faced in ensuring the safety and well-being of the population. The international community must continue to support Pakistan in its efforts to eliminate polio and enhance security measures to safeguard its citizens from terrorist attacks.
While the Pakistani people remain resilient in the face of adversity, the government and security forces must remain vigilant and take decisive action to neutralize the threat posed by extremists. Only through collective efforts can Pakistan overcome the scourge of terrorism and create a safe and prosperous future for its citizens.
