Deputy Commissioner Condemns Attack on Polio Team in Chaman

Chaman, Deputy Commissioner of Chaman, Captain Retired Raja Athar Abbas, strongly condemned a recent attack on a polio vaccination team, describing it as a deeply disturbing incident that breached democratic norms and local customs, particularly the respect traditionally accorded to women. The attack resulted in injuries among the team members, prompting a robust response from local authorities.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the attack occurred amidst a renewed anti-polio drive in the region, which Deputy Commissioner Abbas kicked off by administering polio drops to a young girl. Following the incident, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to continue the vaccination campaign and enforce the law against those obstructing it. A case will be registered beyond just filing an FIR, indicating a serious legal pursuit against the perpetrators.

The local government has been engaged in a broader dialogue with the Perlat Committee, which has held the local environment “hostage” over the past month due to various demands. Despite attempts at resolution and the government showing considerable patience, the stubbornness of the Perlat Committee led to a deadlock. Deputy Commissioner Abbas highlighted that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the government will respond with legal actions against any violence.

These remarks were made during Abbas’ visit to the DHQ Hospital, where he met with the injured team members and emphasized the need for their full recovery, underscoring the administration’s commitment to both upholding the law and continuing essential public health initiatives like the polio vaccination campaign.