After the Ishrat Made in China cast and crew made it back in Pakistan, their complaints only amped up with Shamoon Abbasi and Sanam Saeed going to social media. Good thing then, that they can all go home now after testing negative for COVID-19.
Last week when the film crew and cast arrived in Pakistan along with other passengers from Thailand, there was a fuss when they were being asked to pay for their stay at the quarantine zone, the Ramada Hotel.
Later District Commissioner (DC) Islamabad explained that those who chose to be quarantined in hotels will pay for all the expenses. If they cannot afford it they will be shifted to any government facility such as the quarantine center at Haji camp.
“For 2000 passengers, Rs 5000 per passenger was spent on transport, food and rent of hotel. It amounts to Rs 1 crore per day.”
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With the global lockdown amid the Coronavirus pandemic, plenty of people outside the country were stuck abroad. On their return, they have to quarantine. Whether it’s at a free government facility or an equipped hotel where they have to pay their own expenses.
When the film crew for Ishrat Made in China was allowed to come back from Thailand, they assumed all costs would be covered as it would be in an extraction.
So imagine the surprise when the film crew and Ishrat Made in China cast Shamoon Abbasi, Sanam Saeed, Sara Loren, and Mohib Mirza were asked to pay for their stay at the Ramada Hotel where they were being quarantined.
The hotel management of ramada Islamabad is threatening the entire crew with celebrities to leave the hotel as they want us to pay for a week
According to the embassy the hefty ticket price of 1,12,000 included the stay and food expenses@ImranKhanPTI@FaisalJavedKhan@drarsalan— Shamoon Abbasi (@shamoonAbbasi) April 15, 2020
Alot of Pakistanis have been threatened that came from Thailand
Pakistan embassy assured us that every thing will be sorted in no time as we arrive21 people tried to remain calm and focused for 2 weeks and spent a furtune to come back@dcislamabad@FaisalJavedKhan
— Shamoon Abbasi (@shamoonAbbasi) April 15, 2020
Day 2/3
– feeling very suffocated in a windowless room. Fresh air is necessary to purify the atmosphere and body.
– Suddenly, asked to pay upfront for the week last night or be packed off to Hajji Camp by 10pm till tested.
– Travellers were not prepared for these surprises.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
Misinformed
– Travelers already stressed, nervous & financially exhausted after managing 2 weeks of lockdown abroad.
– PIA ticket back cost 111k each.
– Embassy assured people upon arrival the Govt will accommodate us free of cost while we wait 2 days for test & results.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
DC Islamabad explained that those stranded abroad were extracted and the government paid for them. While those that returned coming on their own will would have to pick up their own tab.
He stated that those that can afford it might as well carry their own weight and help out in a crisis.
“They are rich people and they can afford these minor expenses, … Government can’t spend Rs 4 billion for 30,000 passengers. Passengers who are willingly coming from abroad and are paying expensive tickets can at least pay this amount for their own protection and for saving others in Pakistan.”
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Once the SOP was made clear, Shamoon Abbasi was willing to do his part.
Finally the passengers coming from abroad have been briefed by the govt. On which exact SOP to follow
Staying in pre test quarantine for 7 days is necessary
And the cost of the stay meanwhile has to be paid the passengers themselves
Follow the procedure and everything will be 👌— Shamoon Abbasi (@shamoonAbbasi) April 17, 2020
Sanam Saeed, however, asked the government to do a better job with informing the public.
Over all
– We understand the Govt is doing their best to manage the sitaution. But..
– Stranded travelers need be better informed of what to expect.
– Embassy must clearly state stay options and costs.
– People need to be mentally, physically and financially prepared.— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 16, 2020
All the passengers that returned from Thailand including the actors have tested negative for COVID-19 and can luckily go home now.
According to NIH
national institute of health
All 219 passengers of PK 8893 arriving from Thailand are tested #covid negative and left for their respective locations from the hotels
Thank you Deputy commissioner Islamabad
Mr.Hamza Shafqat and team for the response@dcislamabad— Shamoon Abbasi (@shamoonAbbasi) April 19, 2020