Islamabad: Two people, including Constable Sajjad Ahmed, were killed on Monday after gunmen opened fire on an anti-polio vaccination team in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The incident took place in the Tangi area of Salarzai tehsil, where health workers were administering polio drops to children as part of an ongoing immunisation campaign.

According to police officials, the vaccination team was engaged in door-to-door work when unidentified attackers launched the assault. The firing resulted in the death of a police officer assigned to protect the team, along with a passer-by who was present in the area at the time. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Security forces have launched a search operation in and around the area to trace those responsible. Police said checkpoints were set up and patrols intensified as part of efforts to identify and apprehend the attackers. Further details regarding the suspects were not disclosed.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned terrorist attack on polio team in Bajaur.

In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow over the death of a policeman assigned to protect the polio team and the injury of a civilian in the shooting incident.

The Prime Minister issued instructions for the swift identification of the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

He said the attack on those providing the vital service of polio eradication to the nation is deeply unfortunate.

He expressed the commitment that the polio campaign will continue until polio is eradicated from the country.

Meanwhile Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has condemned the firing incident targeting an anti-polio team within the limits of Police Station Khar in Bajaur. Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of a constable and a passerby as a result of the firing, and paid tribute to Constable Sajjad Ahmed, who embraced martyrdom.

The Interior Minister extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of Shaheed Constable Sajjad Ahmed and the passerby, stating that Constable Sajjad Ahmed attained the great rank of martyrdom while performing his duty. He said that Shaheed Constable Sajjad Ahmed is a hero of the nation.

Mohsin Naqvi further said that an attack on a team working to safeguard the future of children is a heinous act carried out by brutal elements.