Umrah pilgrims get 15-day extension for vaccination deadline

Karachi Airport has extended the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to travel without a vaccination certificate by 15 days, until October 10. Dr Murtaza Shah, focal person, stated the extension aims to assist pilgrims and enhance arrangements. Five NADRA facilitation centres have been set up at the Karachi Airport dispensary, while vaccination services will commence at the Jacob Lines dispensary next week.

Digitalised vaccination certificates for Umrah pilgrims and other foreign travellers are now being issued. However, thousands of Karachi's passengers are struggling due to only one vaccination centre being established for them, causing heavy crowds. The Ministry of Health has set up a centre at the Federal Civil Dispensary near the Old Terminal, but passengers, especially the elderly, women, and infants, are facing difficulties due to limited facilities.

The vaccination procedure is now linked with NADRA and digitised to prevent certificate forgery. Passengers report delays at the vaccination centre, with some waiting since 8 am and still not receiving their certificates despite flights scheduled within 12 to 15 hours. The Ministry advises passengers to visit vaccination centres 10 days prior to travelling abroad, with pilgrims demanding more centres and improved facilities.