Story perspectives

Police Constable Killed in First Attack of 2026 Polio Campaign

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

On the first day of the 2026 nationwide polio vaccination campaign in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a police constable was killed and four others injured when assailants opened fire.
Officials launched a search operation to apprehend the attackers.
This incident marks the first attack on law enforcement during the 2026 campaign.
Officials say violence against polio teams has decreased recently due to improved security, though vaccine hesitancy remains.

History

Historical Context

Since 2014, Pakistan has intensified polio vaccination efforts amid violence, resulting in over 60 health workers killed that year. The World Health Organization and UNICEF supported these initiatives to combat vaccine hesitancy affecting 1.5 million children. Despite improved security, recent attacks during the 2026 campaign underscore ongoing risks, threatening public health and highlighting the need for better protection for vaccination teams.

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Story summary

On the first day of the 2026 nationwide polio vaccination campaign in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a police constable was killed and four others injured when assailants opened fire.
Officials launched a search operation to apprehend the attackers.
This incident marks the first attack on law enforcement during the 2026 campaign.
Officials say violence against polio teams has decreased recently due to improved security, though vaccine hesitancy remains.

1 / 2