Pakistan to address concerns regarding its passengers testing positive for virus: SAPM Yusuf

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Security, Moeed Yusuf, acknowledged Thursday concerns of other nations that some passengers from Pakistan had tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival and assured Islamabad 'as a mature state' would address the issue.

"There have been some concerns about passengers who travelled from Pakistan in the last few days and tested positive for the virus," said Yusuf, while briefing the media on Thursday.

However, the SAPM stated that he would like to clarify that “not everyone” who is leaving the country will test positive.

"Some cases have been identified and some countries have raised concerns and we as a responsible, mature state are looking into it," said SAPM Yusuf and added that the country would take the "necessary steps" wherever such concerns are raised.

But Yusuf reminded everyone that Pakistan itself had faced a lot of difficulties when people were coming back to the country in the last three months. He also mentioned that in some cases, people were coming from areas that did not have a testing regime.

"The example is in front of you that with all the difficulties we carried out testing and quarantined them [passengers]," reminded SAPM Yusuf. He added that the officials were "aware of the situation" and "monitoring" it.

But SAPM Yusuf repeated once again that "there is no such thing that whoever is going from Pakistan is positive, there are some cases and some concerns have surfaced and we will address them".

The SAPM clarified that because of this situation the government, from June 27 will start the screening process of "outbound passengers". He added that "complete strict screenings" will be done but clarified that tests of the passengers will not be done and only fever and other symptoms will be checked.

SAPM Yusuf also told media that the decision was not taken by the government "out of pressure". He added that such a policy and plan was "there from a long time" and its implementation was decided already.

The SAPM also urged the outbound passengers that they should look at the policy of their destination country before boarding the flight.

Yusuf told the reporters that some western and other countries due to a decrease in the spread of pandemic have put certain restrictions on passengers.

He added that if there was a need to get the tests done then they will have to bring test reports along with them to the airport.

"If you are positive then it would become a diplomatic issue for Pakistan.”

Policy for outbound passengers

The SAPM, while unveiling the outbound policy of the passengers, said that they will go through the same screening as those coming to the country.

"Any passenger suspected of coronavirus will not be allowed to board the plane," warned SAPM Yusuf. He requested all passengers that have booked their tickets and are showing any symptoms or been around a COVID-19 patient to not head to the airport and get themselves tested first.

"Our health professionals have been authorised to advise people from not entering the plane if they feel that the passenger is not well," said SAPM Yusuf.