Karachi: Travel agents have raised concerns over the government’s vaccination requirements for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, particularly the proposed use of a NADRA vaccination card.
The Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) has written to the federal government seeking clarification from the Ministry of Health and expressing reservations over instructions issued by the Karachi Airport Health Officer.
According to TAAP, the order issued by the airport health authorities lacks clarity and has created confusion over whether the NADRA vaccination card requirement applies only to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims or to all passengers travelling abroad.
The association described the instructions as difficult to understand and called for clear guidelines before their implementation.
TAAP also said vaccinations for international travellers should be administered six to seven days before departure and expressed concern that administering four vaccines at the same time could adversely affect passengers’ health.
The association further said that vaccines recommended by the government were not currently available in sufficient quantities in the market. It urged authorities to ensure adequate supplies and establish designated vaccination centres to facilitate travellers.
TAAP warned that implementing the new requirement from September 14 could create significant difficulties for pilgrims and other international passengers.
The association has asked the government to defer implementation of the NADRA vaccination card requirement and clarify precisely which categories of travellers will be affected.
It also called for standard operating procedures governing the vaccination card system to be developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.