Polio Team Attacked In NW Pakistan; Policeman Killed

Islamabad, Feb 27, IRNA – Unknown gunmen opened fire on anti-polio team in North Western Pakistan on Tuesday killing one policeman accompanying the health workers, local media reported. According to reports, the attack took place in Ghalla Dera area of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack till the filing of this report. Pakistan is one of three countries where the crippling disease is endemic. Suspicion for the attacks falls on militants, who oppose the vaccination campaign, accuse health workers of acting as spies for the US and claim the polio vaccine is intended to make Muslim children sterile./end