FIR to be registered against parents who stand in way of polio vaccine: DC Central Karachi

KARACHI: A three-day polio campaign will start in Karachi on February 24, according to district Central Deputy Commissioner Saifur Rahman, Express News reported on Wednesday. Organisers of the drive warned that a First Information Report (FIR) would be registered against any parents who refuse to have their child vaccinated as this would deter their progress in the campaign. During a meeting held to discuss the campaign, Rahman said that the security plan for the drive will be determined by the SHO and DSP a day before it starts. SSP Central Amir Farooqi said that security will be ensured for the campaigners of this drive. Polio teams frequently come under attack in the country as the authorities struggle to ensure an end to the crippling virus. On January 20, polio teams came under attack in Karachi, Mansehra and Panjgur for carrying out the vaccination campaign. In Karachi, three people – including two female polio workers – were killed and two others sustained injuries in a gun attack. The team – working without any security – was attacked in Karachi’s Qayummabad area. The polio campaign was postponed in the city’s East Zone after the attack. Sindh chief minister had announced Rs0.5 million as compensation for the deceased polio workers.