KARACHI: Concerns have emerged among travel agents over the government’s decision regarding vaccination of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and the requirement for a NADRA vaccination card.
The Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) has written a letter to the federal government, expressing reservations over the Ministry of Health’s decision regarding the NADRA vaccination card.
TAAP has sought clarification from the Ministry of Health over the requirement and raised concerns about a letter issued by the Karachi Airport Health Officer.
The association said the order issued by the Karachi Airport Health Officer is unclear and has created misunderstandings regarding the implementation of the NADRA vaccination card requirement.
TAAP said there is confusion over whether the NADRA vaccination card will be mandatory only for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims or for every passenger travelling abroad.
The travel agents association termed the decision of the Karachi Airport Health Officer incomprehensible and said vaccination for people travelling abroad should be administered six to seven days before travel.
TAAP also expressed concern that administering four vaccines at once could affect a passenger’s health.
The association said the vaccine recommended by the government is not available in the market and urged the government to arrange adequate quantities of vaccines and establish vaccination centres.
TAAP warned that implementation of the decision from September 14 could create difficulties for pilgrims and other travellers.
The association called on the government to clarify the implementation of the NADRA vaccination card requirement and defer its issuance from September 14.
TAAP further demanded that standard operating procedures for the NADRA vaccination card be formulated in consultation with all stakeholders.
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