Karachi: Airline Operators Committee Seeks Delay in Digital Vaccination Card Requirement for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims
The Airline Operators Committee (AOC) has urged the authorities to defer the implementation of the digital vaccination card requirement for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims until October 1.
While the government has made digital vaccination cards mandatory for all international travelers—including Hajj and Umrah pilgrims—the AOC has written to the Health Officer at Karachi Airport requesting a postponement of the rule until October 1.
In its letter, the committee requested an extension of the deadline for discontinuing manual vaccination cards. The AOC noted that there is very limited time to prepare for the new system, which is scheduled to take effect on September 16.
The committee also pointed out that many international passengers arrive at the airport close to departure time, raising concerns that on-site verification or vaccination procedures could lead to long queues and delays.
Furthermore, the AOC demanded that vaccination and registration centers be set up at multiple locations across Karachi, suggesting that setting them up at or near National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices would greatly facilitate passengers.
