KARACHI–A special flight of the Sri Lanka Airlines, carrying over 50 stranded Pakistanis from Sri Lanka, arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Monday.
The government has eased restrictions on flight operations to bring back Pakistani citizens who are stuck in different countries due to the ban on air travel to contain the COVID-19 spread.
All the 51 passengers, arrived via fight no UL 1185, were screened for coronavirus upon their arrival and shifted to a quarantine centre for 48 hours. Those who can afford would be moved to a private hotel.
Moreover, the special flight carrying other passengers is leaving for Lahore from Karachi.
According to a Radio Pakistan report, Second Secretary (Political), Ayesha Abubakar Fahad was present on behalf of the High Commissioner to see off the departing Pakistanis at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport( BIA).
They acknowledged efforts of Pakistani High Commission for providing all possible support and assistance during their stay in Sri Lanka in this difficult time, the report said.
48-hours quarantine
Earlier on Saturday, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Moeed Yusuf had said that every Pakistani who returns to the country from abroad will have to be quarantined for 48 hours.
“Our main goal is to stem the spread of the virus,” he had said during a press conference. “Which is why when a passenger returns it is mandatory, he/she quarantines for 48 hours.
There are no exemptions for anyone with this rule. Passengers have the choice to either quarantine on their own expenses in hotels or stay for free in government centres.”
“Till now, we have repatriated 15,000 Pakistanis from different countries while more than 100,000 Pakistanis are still stuck abroad in 88 different countries,” he added.
SOURCE: GEO NEWS
