Attack highlights ongoing risks faced by polio teams and police.

Lakki Marwat

A police constable and his brother were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the officer completed security duty with a polio vaccination team, officials said on Tuesday. The attack took place near the Chwar Khel area of Lakki Marwat district.

According to police, Constable Amir Nawaz was travelling back to his village along with his brother, Ameer Mohammad, when armed men riding motorcycles opened fire on them. Both brothers were killed on the spot. The victims were siblings of former district councillor Ali Gul. Their bodies were later shifted to the district headquarters hospital for post-mortem examination.

Soon after the incident, a heavy police contingent reached the area and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. Security was tightened in and around Lakki Marwat amid concerns over possible further attacks. Police officials said checkpoints were strengthened and patrols increased to maintain order.

Funeral prayers for the two brothers were held later in the evening and were attended by senior officials, including District Police Officer Nazir Khan, Deputy Commissioner Hamidullah Khan, SP Investigation Murad Ali Khan, and other police and administrative officers. A large number of relatives and local residents also attended the prayers.

Earlier the same day, another police constable deployed on polio duty and a passerby were shot dead in a separate incident in Bajaur district. The attacks highlight the continuing threats faced by polio workers and the security personnel assigned to protect them.

Authorities said investigations are underway in both cases, and assured that all possible efforts are being made to identify and arrest those responsible.