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ARY NEWS

Jahangir Khan

  • Pakistan receives another large COVID-19 vaccine shipment from China

    Pakistan receives another large COVID-19 vaccine shipment from China

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday received another consignment of COVID-19 vaccine from China comprising of 1.2 million doses, ARY News reported, citing sources.

    The plane carrying the vaccine doses which have been purchased by Pakistan from China landed at Islamabad airport on Sunday evening.

    The Ministry of Health received a batch of 1,000,000 doses of the SinoVac vaccine and 200,000 doses of the CanSino vaccine procured from China.

    The sources further shared that another batch of two million COVID vaccine-SinoVac will reach Islamabad on May 21.

    sinovac covid-19 vaccine pakistan pia special plane

    The federal government has expedited the imports of COVID-19 vaccines after the virus spread intensifies in the country.

    In a bid to expedite the vaccination process in the country, Pakistan has signed contracts for the purchase of the COVID vaccine with several companies including Chinese firms.

    Read More: COVID-19 claims 76 more lives in Pakistan as 2,379 cases reported in a day

    Pakistan is already vaccinating its population over 30-years and older citizens.

    Earlier on May 9, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had announced that Pakistan received nearly 12 million doses of corona vaccine so far.

    sinovac covid-19 vaccine pakistan pia special plane

    The country has received overall 11.9 mln doses of China’s Sinopharm, Sinovac and CanSino COVID-19 vaccines and AstraZeneca from the COVAX, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said in its statement.

    COVAX had provided 1.23 mln vaccine doses of Oxford University’s AstraZeneca, the NCOC further said.

    It is to be mentioned here that Pakistan will also prepare a Chinese coronavirus vaccine locally from this month.

  • Pakistan to receive 1.2mn COVID vaccine doses from China on May 16: sources

    Pakistan to receive 1.2mn COVID vaccine doses from China on May 16: sources

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will receive another batch of COVID vaccine from China on May 16 comprising of 1.2 million doses, ARY NEWS reported quoting sources in the national health ministry.

    According to sources privy to details regarding vaccine arrival, 1.2 million doses of the Chinese vaccine will reach Islamabad on May 16. “The doses included a million jabs of China’s Sinovac vaccine and 200,000 vaccines of single-dose CanSino,” they said.

    The sources further shared that another batch of two million COVID vaccine-Sinovac- will reach Islamabad on May 21.

    Pakistan is already vaccinating its population over 40-year old besides the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday allowing citizens aged 30 and above to sign up for Covid-19 vaccination from Sunday (May 16).

    Read More: Double shifts to be continued in COVID-19 vaccination centres after Eid

    Taking to Twitter, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, said, “As vaccine supply continues to improve and vaccination capacity gets enhanced in all Federating units, we continue to expand the categories of those who are eligible to get vaccinated.”

    “Starting Sunday the 16th of May, registration will be open to all 30 years and older citizens.”

  • Pakistan deploys coronavirus-sniffing dogs at airport

    Pakistan deploys coronavirus-sniffing dogs at airport

    ISLAMABAD: In order to identify Covid-19 infected passengers entering Pakistan from abroad, the authorities on Tuesday announced to deploy dogs at New Islamabad Airport to sniff out passengers possibly infected with the coronavirus, ARY News reported, citing sources.

    Dogs specially trained to detect Covid-19 among passengers will be deployed from May 12 (tomorrow) as part of a trial at New Islamabad Airport.

    Pakistan Army will provide specially trained dogs to airport authorities as approval in this regard has been approved by the administration.

    Besides the deployment of sniffing dogs, a four-member team of the health ministry will also be deployed at the airport from tomorrow where they will take samples of suspected Covid-19 inbound passengers.

    The decision to deploy sniffing dogs was taken after several cases of fake Covid-19 reports from inbound passengers reported from different airports of Pakistan.

    Read More: Fake Covid reports: CAA issues new directives to airlines

    According to a study published in the University of Helsinki, dogs can detect coronavirus in humans five days before they develop symptoms.

    Taking notice of inbound passengers travelling to Pakistan on fake PCR Test results, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) yesterday issued new directives to all airlines operating to and from Pakistan.

    The authority has directed airlines to ensure all passengers traveling to Pakistan possess PCR Test results only from respective government-approved labs.

    The CAA in its new order had directed airlines to accept only original test results prior to checking in passengers for flights to Pakistan.

  • Pakistan to receive 1.2mn Covid-19 jabs under Covax this week

    Pakistan to receive 1.2mn Covid-19 jabs under Covax this week

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will start getting the batches of coronavirus vaccines from COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) from this week, ARY News reported on Monday, citing sources.

    Sources prior to the development told ARY News that Pakistan is likely to receive 1.2 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine on May 7, its first batch under the GAVI/WHO COVAX vaccine initiative.

    The WHO’s institution will provide free-of-cost COVID-19 vaccines for the 20 per cent population of Pakistan and the country will get an overall 45.5 million doses. Covax is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

    Pakistan has so far received a total of 4.06 million doses of vaccines for the novel coronavirus, according to figures reported.

    Read More: Deals for procurement of 30m COVID vaccine doses signed: SAPM

    Out of this reported number, 3.5 million doses are of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine. Other vaccines received include 60,000 doses of CanSino and 500,000 Sinovac vaccines – both also purchased from China.

    Pakistan had purchased another 30 million doses of COVID vaccine from China that will soon arrive in the country to help in a drive to vaccinate its over 220 million population.

    Also Read: Over four million people registered in Pakistan for corona vaccination

    Dr Faisal Sultan talking to the media today said the government has signed deals for procurement of 30 million covid vaccine doses. He said 19 million doses will be received by June this year, clarifying that the government is not relying on donations but 90 per cent of the vaccine doses are being purchased.

    He said that 70 million people will be vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of this year. The vaccines have been procured from Sinopharm, CanSinoBio and Sinovac, Faisal Sultan told the media.

    Pakistan Covid-19 cases

    The Covid-19 pandemic claimed 79 more lives across Pakistan over the previous 24 hours, raising the death toll from the disease to 18,149.

    According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, 4,213 new infections emerged when 45,954 samples were tested during the same period. The positivity rate of new cases was recorded at 9.16%, the NCOC said.

    Also Read: NCOC issues guidelines for Youm-e-Ali RA, Aitekaf, Eidul Fitr

    The countrywide tally of confirmed cases climbed to 834,146 with the addition of 4,213 new cases. Thus far, 728,044 patients have recuperated from the disease.

  • NCOC issues guidelines for Youm-e-Ali RA, Aitekaf, Eidul Fitr

    NCOC issues guidelines for Youm-e-Ali RA, Aitekaf, Eidul Fitr

    ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued guidelines for Youm-e-Ali (RA), Aitekaf, Shab-e-Qadr, Jummatul Wida and Eidul Fitr to curb the spread of coronavirus, ARY News reported on Sunday.

    Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions

    The NCOC stated in its guidelines that Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions are completely banned, whereas, clerics and zakireen will make the citizens aware of the virus. However, majalis will be allowed to be organised where all participants will undergo thermal screening and mandatory to wear face masks.

    One metre distance will be maintained among all indoor and outdoor majalis among all participants besides completely complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

    Those having symptoms of coronavirus will be barred to participate in the majalis in connection with the Youm-e-Ali (RA). The NCOC also advised organising the majalis online or at outdoor locality besides ensuring to make special arrangements for sanitisers and soaps for washing hands.

    It has been advised for people aged above 50 years and children not to attend the majalis, whereas, the religious gatherings of Youm-e-Ali (RA) will be banned to be held in congested localities.

    Clerics and zakireen will have to undergo a coronavirus test and only covid-negative clerics and zakireen will be allowed to attend a majlis.

    Thermal screening should be made on the gates of imam bargahs and mosques and marking should be made for the sitting arrangements for the people to maintain a distance of at least 3 feet during majalis. The organisers of majalis will be bound to ensure disinfectant spray on the venues daily.

    Aitekaf

    The centre asked those people having COVID-19 symptoms to observe aitekaf at their homes instead of coming to mosques and imam bargahs. However, those coming to the mosques should take their beds and other necessary items from the home and avoid joint meals of Sehri and Iftari.

    Jummatul Wida

    The NCOC directed to make separate entry and exit routes at the venues of Jummatul Wida gatherings. Special arrangements must be made for thermal scanning and sanitization of people arriving at the venues for offering Jummatul Wida prayers.

    People have also be asked to perform ablution at their homes before arriving at the mosques or other venues for Jummatul Wida gatherings.

    Shab-e-Qadr

    People aged above 50 and children have been advised to stay at their homes instead of heading towards the mosques, whereas, Shab-e-Qadr gathering should be organised at outdoor spots. It has been directed not to use carpets and mats during the prayers.

    Eidul Fitr

    Citizens were also asked to refrain from shaking hands and hugging during the Eidul Fitr gatherings, as well as avoiding to unnecessarily travelling and family events.

    It has been directed to maintain one metre distance during an outdoor event along with the family members on Eid. The administration of mosques have been ordered to keep doors and windows opened during the Eidul Fitr prayers and refrain from using water coolers.

  • NCOC decides against allowing Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions amid COVID-19 surge

    NCOC decides against allowing Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions amid COVID-19 surge

    ISLAMABAD: Federal government has decided against allowing the processions of Youm-e-Ali (RA) after an NCOC meeting mulled over it in wake of the rising COVID-19 situation in the country, ARY NEWS reported on Saturday.

    According to details, the decision was taken during the NCOC meeting headed by Asad Umar and attended by Lieutenant General Hamood uz Zaman, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, Minister for Religious Affairs Noor ul Haq Qadri as provincial chief secretaries also joined the meeting via a video link.


    According to the decisions taken at the NCOC, the Youm-e-Ali processions would be banned, however, matmi majalis [gatherings] would be allowed in a limited manner. A small number of people could attend these gatherings while following COVID-19 SOPs.

    The decision was taken keeping in view the risk factor due to the ongoing surge in Covid-19 especially in major urban centers.

    The forum emphasized the need to engage the religious scholars and community leaders at provincial and district levels for the implementation of these decisions.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the NCOC announced six-day Eid holidays in the country amid COVID surge besides while adopting a stay home, stay safe strategy.

    Read More: Inbound passengers to undergo COVID test at airports as NCOC devises fresh protocols

    The NCOC announced Eid holidays in the country from 10-15 May with tourism spots, public parks, and small bazars to remain close on the occasion. The details issued by the body in a notification further said that other than essential services all shops,  businesses and markets will remain shut during the Eid holidays.

    On the other hand, bakeries, fruit and vegetable shops, grocery, medical stores, vaccination centres will remain open during the holidays.

  • NCOC recommends ban on inbound flights from May 5 to curb coronavirus risk

    NCOC recommends ban on inbound flights from May 5 to curb coronavirus risk

    ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Thursday recommended a ban on inbound flights to Pakistan from May 5 to May 20 amid the country’s worsening coronavirus situation.

    The NCOC meeting headed by Asad Umar on Thursday reviewed oxygen supplies in the country, the COVID-19 vaccination process, Eid policy and restrictions on international flights.

    Detailed instructions regarding the reduction in air travel would be provided by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), a press statement announced.

    The forum also decided to review the measure on May 18.

    Furthermore, the NCOC meeting also gave its nod to begin vaccination for the age group 40-49 the country from May 03.

    Read More: Stay home, stay safe: NCOC announces six-day Eid holidays amid COVID surge

    Other than this, the NCOC gave a nod to importing oxygen and its cylinders in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in the country. The country would import 6,000 metric tons of oxygen and 5,000 cylinders.

    The guidelines for Youm-e-Ali (RA), aitekaf, Shabe-e-Qadr would be issued on May 01.

    The NCOC announced Eid holidays in the country from 10-15 May with tourism spots, public parks, and small bazars to remain close on the occasion.

  • Stay home, stay safe: NCOC announces six-day Eid holidays amid COVID surge

    Stay home, stay safe: NCOC announces six-day Eid holidays amid COVID surge

    ISLAMABAD: National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Thursday announced six-day Eid holidays in the country amid COVID surge besides also adopting a stay home, stay safe strategy, ARY NEWS reported.   

    The NCOC meeting headed by Asad Umar on Thursday reviewed oxygen supplies in the country, COVID-19 vaccination process, Eid policy and restrictions on international flights.


    The NCOC announced Eid holidays in the country from 10-15 May with tourism spots, public parks, and small bazars to remain close on the occasion. The details issued by the body in a notification further said that other than essential services all shops,  businesses and markets will remain shut during the Eid holidays.

    On the other hand, bakeries, fruit and vegetable shops, grocery, medical stores, vaccination centres will remain open during the holidays.

    The guidelines for Youm-e-Ali (RA), aitekaf, Shabe-e-Qadr would be issued on May 01.


    Other than this, the NCOC gave a nod to importing oxygen and its cylinders in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in the country. The country would import 6,000 metric tons of oxygen and 5,000 cylinders.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the industries ministry has decided to import oxygen cylinders and concentrators and has conveyed the decision to the National Command Operations Centre (NCOC).

    Read More: 151 more Pakistanis die of COVID-19 in past 24 hours

    The decision-making body on the COVID situation also decided to restrict international flights to Pakistan from May 5 to May 20 as a review of the decision would be made in a meeting on May 18.

    An earlier report in this regard noted that NCOC called for reducing international flight operations in the country by 80 percent.

    The CAA will issue detailed instructions regarding reducing international flights, the NCOC said.

    Furthermore, the NCOC meeting also gave its nod to begin vaccination for the age group 40-49 the country from May 03.

  • Fed govt decides to import oxygen cylinders, concentrators: sources

    Fed govt decides to import oxygen cylinders, concentrators: sources

    ISLAMABAD: Federal government has decided to import oxygen cylinders and concentrators to deal with increased oxygen supplies in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases, ARY NEWS reported on Tuesday.

    According to sources having knowledge of the decision, the industries ministry has decided to import oxygen cylinders and concentrators and has conveyed the decision to the National Command Operations Centre (NCOC).


    “The concerned authorities have also approached international markets for purchasing oxygen cylinders and concentrators,” they said adding that the decision was made to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the health sector in the country.

    The sources said that reports have emerged regarding hoarding of oxygen cylinders by the private sector, which has led to jack-up prices in the open market.

    Meanwhile, besides arranging oxygen supplies from abroad, a four-member technical team has been constituted on the instructions of the federal government to rehabilitate the Pakistan Steel Mills oxygen plant.

    Chief Executive of Pakistan Steel Brig. (Retd) Shujaa Hassan will also be part of the team, which will look into the rehabilitation of the oxygen plant to meet the demand for oxygen in the country, according to sources.

    Engineering Development Board’s K.B. Ali will also be among the members of the technical team. The team is expected to visit today to conduct a preliminary review of the Pakistan Steel oxygen plant.

    In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases during the third wave of the disease, the country needs more oxygen production to meet the increasing need.

    According to sources, the plant has been closed since 2015 but all its facilities are available and very few equipment will be required to be imported for bringing it to operational mode.

    After the initial assessment, a report will be prepared and submitted to the government for revival of the oxygen production facility.

  • Pakistan purchases over 30 million COVID doses from China: sources

    Pakistan purchases over 30 million COVID doses from China: sources

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has purchased over 30 million doses of COVID vaccine from China that will soon arrive in the country to help in a drive to vaccinate its over 220 million population, ARY NEWS reported on Sunday.    

    According to sources privy to the development, the country has purchased 30.5 million COVID vaccine doses from three Chinese companies.

    “Pakistan will purchase 20 million jabs of single-dose COVID vaccine from CanSino besides also purchasing 5.5 million doses from Sinopharm and 5 million from Sinovac,” they said.

    It is pertinent to mention here that another Pakistan Air Force (PAF) special plane carrying 0.5 million doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine from China arrived in Pakistan on Saturday.

    The special plane carrying the vaccine arrived at Islamabad’s Nur Khan Airbase. This was the eighth Covid-19 vaccine consignment that arrived from China.

    Read More: Pakistan receives another 500,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine

    China previously gifted 1.5 million vaccine doses to Islamabad.

    Separately in another development, three Pakistan Internationa Airlines (PIA) planes have left for the neighbouring friendly country Saturday to bring 1 million more vaccine doses.

    On Thursday Pakistan had received another shipment of 500,000 doses of a SinoVac coronavirus vaccine from China.