In a significant move to safeguard public health efforts, the Bahawalpur District Police have implemented extensive security measures for the ongoing anti-polio campaign across the district. The initiative follows the direct instructions of District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Hassan Iqbal, who has emphasized that providing a secure environment for both citizens and polio workers is a fundamental duty of the force.
Foolproof Security Plan Activated
Over 550 police officers and personnel have been assigned to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the vaccination drive. This substantial deployment is part of a comprehensive security plan issued by the district police headquarters. The strategy aligns with the broader policy of the Inspector General of Police Punjab, which prioritizes social peace and robust security arrangements during such critical public health activities.
Top Priority: Safety of Health Workers and Children
DPO Muhammad Hassan Iqbal, while issuing instructions to senior officers, made it clear that the security of polio teams is non-negotiable. He directed all Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) to conduct regular checks on the security arrangements for the workers. "This is a matter of the health of our future builders—our children," stated the DPO. "Children who do not receive polio drops risk permanent disability. It is our duty to provide a peaceful environment, free from fear and danger, to the polio workers who are serving the public interest under state directives."
He issued a stern warning that any individual attempting to disrupt social peace during the campaign would be dealt with firmly. The police force on duty has been instructed to remain alert at all times to maintain law and order, ensuring the campaign can proceed without hindrance.
A Coordinated Public Health Effort
The anti-polio campaign in Bahawalpur is part of a synchronized effort across the entire province of Punjab. The door-to-door nature of the vaccination drive makes the role of police security paramount. By protecting the health workers, the police are directly contributing to the national goal of eradicating polio and securing a healthier future for Pakistan's children.
The district administration's commitment is twofold:
- To eliminate threats to health workers, thereby ensuring every child can be reached.
- To reassure the public and encourage community participation in the vital vaccination process.
This proactive security framework underscores the administration's resolve to treat public health security with the highest level of seriousness, safeguarding a cornerstone of Pakistan's disease prevention strategy.
