KARACHI/Peshawar: The deadline for Umrah pilgrims traveling from Karachi without vaccination has been extended by 15 days, while vaccination will become mandatory for Umrah pilgrims and Saudi visit visa travelers departing from Peshawar, officials said Wednesday.
Dr. Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari, focal person for the Federal Airport Health Department and Border Health Services, said Karachi-based Umrah pilgrims could travel without vaccination until Oct. 10.
He said the extension was granted to facilitate pilgrims. Five National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) facilitation centers have been established at the Karachi airport dispensary, while vaccination will begin next week at the Jacob Lines dispensary.
For travelers departing from Peshawar, vaccination will be mandatory from Oct. 15 for Umrah pilgrims and Saudi visit visa travelers. Umrah pilgrims from Peshawar can travel without vaccination until Oct. 14.
A vaccination center has been established at the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Peshawar, with 20 counters for men and women. Two NADRA facilitation centers are also being established there.
Bukhari advised travelers to get vaccinated at least 10 days before their departure.