The federal government has decided to administer Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and overseas Pakistani students and workers on a priority basis.
While addressing the media, Federal Planning Minister, Asad Umar, said the decision has been taken to facilitate Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and overseas students and workers in countries that do not recognize vaccination certificates of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines.
ALSO READ
Sindh Govt Will Not Pay Salaries to Employees That Don’t Get Vaccinated
The Minister noted that the first shipment comprising 106,000 doses of Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine under the COVAX program, a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines led by GAVI, reached Pakistan last week.
1 million more doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will reach the country in July or August as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had been in contact with the New York-based pharmaceutical company for last couple of months for direct procurement of the vaccine.
ALSO READ
Heavy Rain Exposes Mismanagement at Islamabad Airport Yet Again
The Minister warned that the move to not recognize the vaccination certificates of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines will become a huge problem for the entire world as it will adversely impact international travel and trade.
He urged the countries that are not accepting vaccination certificates of Chinese vaccines to reconsider their decision and approve all vaccines for use.
