Karachi Airport Recommends Delay in Mandatory Digital Vaccination Card for Umrah Pilgrims
KARACHI:The administration of Jinnah International Airport has recommended postponing the deadline for making a NADRA-linked digital vaccination card mandatory for Umrah pilgrims and other international travellers.
In a letter sent by Jinnah International Airport Acting Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Qasim to the Airport Health Officer, it was stated that under a September 7 letter issued by the Airport Health Office, a NADRA-integrated digital vaccination card was scheduled to become mandatory for international travellers from September 14.
The letter noted that only one dispensary facility had been designated for the purpose.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said it supported public health measures but warned that implementing the directive without adequate prior notice, operational coordination and the required communication among relevant institutions could create serious administrative and operational risks at Jinnah International Airport.
According to the letter, relevant stakeholders had also raised concerns over the implementation of the directive during a Functional Control Committee meeting held on September 7. The Chairman of the Airport Operations Committee subsequently requested on September 11 that these concerns be given due consideration.
The PAA has recommended that the deadline for making the digital vaccination card mandatory be postponed until at least October 1, 2026, allowing sufficient time for all relevant institutions to jointly develop a practical and effective procedure for passengers.
It is worth noting that an authority operating under the Federal Ministry of Health has imposed an additional vaccination requirement, apart from polio vaccination, for passengers travelling for Umrah from Karachi airport. The measure is expected to create difficulties not only for Umrah pilgrims but also for airlines.
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