Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'Vaccination won't be hurdle for prospective Pakistani Haji,' says top official

'Vaccination won't be hurdle for prospective Pakistani Haji,' says top official

VACCINATION-related issues alone will not pose a hindrance for any Pakistani from performing Haj this year provided Saudi Arabia decides to keep its current travel policy during Haj time as well, the country’s top official confirmed on Tuesday (18).

Commenting on the reports of vaccine shortage in the country, the official said that Pakistan has plenty of doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, with more doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines reaching soon by next month.


Saudi Arabia is yet to announce its Haj travel policy. As per the present travel policy in the country, Saudi Arabia is allowing entry only if the traveler is vaccinated for coronavirus by either one of the American or the European vaccines namely Pfizer, Moderna, Jhonson & Jhonson and AstraZeneca.

“The Saudi government has not yet announced its Haj policy which is expected by 15th Shawal (May 27, 2021). We don’t know yet whether they would allow pilgrims from outside the KSA and if allowed, how many outsiders could perform the pilgrimage. So at the moment, we are awaiting the announcement of the KSA Haj Policy,” an official of the government of Pakistan based in Riyadh told a local news outlet.

During Ramazan, the Saudi health authorities allowed the entry of only those people into the holy cities who had both the doses of the KSA-approved vaccines or those who had a single dose of any one of those vaccines 14 days earlier or those who had recovered from Covid-19 within the last six months.

The official further added that if the country maintains the same policy for Haj as well, it will not concern Pakistani nationals who are willing to make the pilgrimage this year since they will be able to get vaccinated well in time.

The official added that Pakistan is expected to receive over 100,000 doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine through COVAX by the end of June. As per the latest figures, more than 3 million people are given one dose out of which 964,000 are fully vaccinated.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less