ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has said the government has given permission to private sector firms to purchase and import the coronavirus vaccine, opening the possibility that people who could afford it would be able to buy the vaccine before a government rollout.
“Private sector has also been given permission by government to cater for that segment of society which can afford,” a statement from the health ministry quoted by the local Express Tribune newspaper said.
“Negotiations under a confidential declaration agreement, with vaccine manufacturers are in final stages, who are undergoing phase III trials, are publishing their efficacy data and are in process of getting emergency authorisation approvals from respective regulators,” the ministry’s statement added.
Media reported on Sunday that Pakistan had increased its funds allocation for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines amid a surge in the coronavirus.
Dr. Nausheen Hamid, parliamentary secretary for National Health Services, said the budget for the vaccines had been enhanced to $250 million. Earlier, the government had set aside $150 million.
Pakistan recorded 2,362 new cases of the virus and 36 new deaths on Monday.
A surge in the virus comes amid massive disregard by people for precautionary measures despite constant warnings by the authorities.
Private firms allowed to import COVID-19 vaccine, Pakistani health ministry says
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Private firms allowed to import COVID-19 vaccine, Pakistani health ministry says
- Decision opens possibility people who can afford it will be able to buy the vaccine before government rollout
- Government budget for vaccines enhanced to $250 million from an earlier $150 million
Islamabad, Abu Dhabi resolve to deepen cooperation as UAE minister arrives in Pakistan
- UAE’s Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nayhan bin Mubarak Al Nayhan arrives in southern Khairpur city
- Al Nayhan meets Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, discuss joint initiatives, bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan on Wednesday discussed deepening bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest between the two states, the Pakistani interior ministry said.
The two officials met and held talks when Al Nayhan arrived in Pakistan’s southern Khairpur city, the interior ministry said. Both leaders jointly cut a cake to mark the UAE’s National Day, which is celebrated on Dec. 2 every year.
“During the meeting, there was a detailed discussion on further strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, matters of mutual interest and joint initiatives,” the interior ministry said.
Naqvi observed that the brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE are based on mutual trust, respect and long-standing friendship.
The Pakistani minister also noted that both countries remain firmly committed to further strengthening these ties, the statement said.
Pakistan considers the UAE a vital regional ally, with the Gulf nation being Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the US.
It is also a major source of foreign investment for the South Asian country, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s ministry of foreign affairs.
