Pakistan: Authorities relaxing domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 17 /update 66

Event

Authorities have relaxed some measures in cities with lower COVID-19 activity as of Feb. 17. In cities with a positivity rate of less than 10-percent for at least three days, vaccinated people may attend public gatherings as well as go to gyms, cinemas, religious shrines, and amusement parks. Cities with a positivity rate of higher than 10-percent, which include Gilgit, Hyderabad, Karachi, Mardan, Muzaffarabad, and Peshawar, continue to ban indoor gatherings, cap attendance at outdoor gatherings at 300 people, allow gyms, cinemas, and shrines to operate at up to 50-percent capacity, and ban contact sports. Nationwide, public buses may operate at 70-percent seating capacity, with all passengers wearing facemasks; rail services may run at 80-percent seating capacity. Offices may operate at full capacity, though officials recommend people work from home.

Domestic Measures
The government prohibits unvaccinated people from boarding flights and entering public facilities, such as schools, religious venues, and shopping malls. Violators may be subject to fines and arrest. Reports indicate generally poor adherence to and enforcement of guidelines nationwide.

Local governments in some areas may implement enhanced curbs, such as tighter operating hours and capacity limits for public facilities and vehicles, due to higher COVID-19 activity. Locals may protest measures affecting business activity, religious services, and public movement, particularly in urban centers. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible.

International Travel Restrictions
Passenger flights remain limited due to low demand and travel restrictions by foreign governments on Pakistani citizens and air carriers. Cargo, charter, and repatriation flights are operational. Inbound passengers must hold proof of completing vaccination if above 18 years old and negative results of a PCR test obtained within 48 hours before departure if older than six years. They must also continue to submit a health declaration form online or via the Pass Track mobile application within 48 hours before arrival. Returning Pakistani citizens unable to avail of vaccination in foreign countries due to visa or medical issues, as well as Afghan citizens entering via land borders, are exempt from carrying vaccination certificates. Officials have lifted measures requiring inbound passengers to undergo rapid antigen tests (RATs) on arrival as of Feb. 17.

All Pakistani passengers aged above 15 years old require vaccination certificates to board domestic or outbound international flights. The rule does not apply to the medically exempted, foreigners taking outbound international flights, or Afghan citizens exiting via land borders. Foreigners aged below 18 years old, and those who entered Pakistan before Oct. 1, also do not require a vaccination certificate for domestic flights.

Land border crossings with India and Iran remain closed, except for limited cargo transport, permitted passenger travel, and repatriation. Authorities allow most border crossings with Afghanistan to operate, though Pakistani officials may require Afghan nationals above the age of 12 permitted who enter through land borders to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before arrival. Cargo transit continues to face intermittent disruptions, especially along the Afghan border.

Advice

Confirm travel arrangements. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Ensure access to essential items. Avoid all large gatherings; heed security and traffic advisories.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Pakistan COVID-19 Portal