As many as seven police personnel deputed on polio teams killed

MN Report

KARACHI- As many as seven police personnel deputed on security of polio-teams were killed two separate gun attacks in Orangi Town area of Karachi.

According to reports, the first gun attack happened in Bangla Bazaar of Orangi where four policemen killed, while three others were killed in Orangi No 15 in firing. The attack happened when the policemen were there to have lunch. The eight attackers on motorcycles were involved in both attacks carried out in Orangi Town within short span of time.

The law enforcement agencies and rescue workers rushed on the spot. The injured policemen were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital but they succumbed to their injuries on the way. All seven of them were dead before reaching hospital, confirmed hospital official.

The cops have been identified as Rustam Khan, Mohammad Ismail, Ghazi Khan, Wazir Ahmed, Ghulam Rasool, Yaseen, and Daimuddin. The policemen were called from Ghotki and Shahdadpur to protect the polio workers.

Director, Health Services Karachi, Dr Shakoor Abbasi said anti-polio drive has been suspended in Orangi Town after the attack. He confirmed that polio teams remain safe in firing incident.

It seems that there is an urgent need to develop SOPs for police teams who are deputed on such work from time to time. This is not the first incident of its kind and it is time that police training is given due importance.