Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA: A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Inspector General Police Abdul Khaliq Shaikh at the Central Police Office to review and enhance security measures for the ongoing anti-polio campaign in Balochistan. This meeting followed an attack by an angry mob in Chaman the previous day, which resulted in injuries to two female polio workers and two Levies personnel guarding the team.
Key officials in attendance included Commissioner Quetta Hamza Shafaqat, Coordinator for Balochistan Polio Zahid Shah, AIG Operation Dr. Sami, SSP Operation Muhammad Baloch, Captain Retd Anwar Al-Haq, Coordinator National Emergency Operation Center Polio Islamabad, Brigadier Retired Abdul Hasan, and Ghulam Dastgir Ghalzai.
The meeting featured a detailed briefing on the steps taken to protect the anti-polio teams across the province. The focus was on providing foolproof security to ensure the success of the polio campaign. Despite facing extreme weather conditions and unjustified threats, police personnel assigned to protect the polio teams have been provided with essential facilities.
Inspector General Police Abdul Khaliq Shaikh emphasized the critical importance of eradicating polio, describing it as a vital national duty. He praised the dedication and bravery of the police officers who have risked their lives to ensure the safety of polio workers. The IG stressed the necessity of assigning additional personnel to areas with significant security challenges to ensure the smooth administration of polio drops.
The IG Balochistan reaffirmed the police force’s steadfast commitment to making Balochistan a polio-free province. He assured that all necessary measures and resources would be allocated to meet the demands and ensure the security of polio workers. The bravery and dedication of the police officers were commended, with a promise that their sacrifices would be duly recognized.
This high-level meeting underscores the relentless efforts and unwavering commitment of Balochistan’s police force in the fight against polio, ensuring that every child in the province receives the crucial polio vaccine despite the challenges faced.
