ISLAMABAD/QUETTA - World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday categorically dispelled the notion of closing down or with-drawing its operations in Balochistan or anywhere else in Pakistan.
In a statement, the WHO Representative said that there has been news in the media relating to the closure of business of WHO Pakistan in Balochistan following the recent two attacks against the polio workers.
He said that the WHO has applied a standard and routine measure to limit its staff and contractor's exposure to any unsettled security situation. Such measure intends to take the needed time to analyze in depth the event and its aftermath, and to explore working environment ahead of a prompt reversal of the measure taken.
He said WHO extend its grievance and sympathy to the families of the victims and wish to reiterate its continued support towards polio eradication in Pakistan.
Attack on polio team: 34 suspects held: Security forces on Thursday arrested at least 34 suspects during a search operation in connection with the attack on a polio team that left four health workers dead in Quetta the other day.
The joint search operation was conducted by Frontier Corps and police in Eastern Bypass and other areas. Different types of weapons were recovered from the suspects but 9mm pistol that was used in attack on polio team was not found.
Four polio workers, including three women, were killed on Wednesday in an attack by militants. The workers were going from their homes to a health centre when they were attacked near Eastern Bypass area of Quetta city. They were without any security cover at the time of the attack,
According to doctors, condition of three injured female polio workers is stable now.
After the tragic incident, Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Durrani halted the polio campaign in the province.
Meanwhile, the case of firing on polio workers has been registered against unknown miscreants at New Sariyab Police Station. The case was registered on the complaint of SHO New Sariyab police station Noor Bux Mengal. Murder, attempt to murder and anti-terrorism clauses have been included in the FIR.
Following the incident, police and security forces launched search operation and arrested 15 suspects. Seven of them were being interrogated.