SWABI: Two policemen were killed in Swabi on Friday when unknown motorcyclists opened fire on them as they were en route to provide security cover to a polio team, DawnNews reported.
According to local police, two police officials were on their way to perform security duties when unknown gunmen opened fire on them on Topi Road in Swabi. Subsequently, one police official was killed whereas the other sustained injuries.
The injured police official was shifted to Swabi Hospital where his condition was reported as critical. Later, he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the attack, security men cordoned off the area and a search operation went underway to apprehend those responsible.
Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world where the polio virus is still endemic, but efforts to stamp out the crippling disease have been hit by repeated attacks on health teams.
Officials blame the violence and suspicions about the vaccine for a surge in cases. According to the World Health Organisation, Pakistan recorded 72 cases of polio this year compared to 58 in 2012.
New Delhi on Wednesday announced it would require citizens from Pakistan and other polio-affected nations travelling to India to
take a mandatory polio vaccination at least six weeks prior to their departure.
Two policemen protecting polio team killed in Swabi firing - DAWN.COM