ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has started work on installing rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing facilities for passengers traveling to the UAE from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, a spokesperson for the authority has said.
The UAE lifted a ban on transit passenger traffic from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries on August 5, but requires passengers traveling from these destinations to present negative rapid PCR tests taken no longer than four hours prior to departure. The PCAA had earlier said the country did not have the resources to conduct rapid PCR tests, and only rapid antigen testing (RAT) was currently available at Pakistani airports.
The more expensive PCR test detects the presence of viral RNA and can determine a COVID-19 infection even before the person becomes infectious, allowing for early isolation. The RAT test detects viral proteins, revealing patients at the peak of the infection when the body has the highest concentration of proteins.
“Different laboratories have informed [us] that they have procured Rapid PCR testing machines and will be able to install them at airports within next few days,” PCAA spokesperson Ismail Khoso told Arab News on Wednesday. “We are also in touch with the foreign ministry to get relaxation from the UAE government.”
So far, Sialkot International Airport is the only airport in Pakistan to install a rapid PCR testing facility.
“We are working on similar lines [as Sialkot] as we have asked airlines and UAE-approved labs to install rapid PCR testing machines at our major airports,” Khoso said, adding that unlike the small Sialkot airport, the country’s main ports catered to hundreds of UAE-bound passengers every day.
Sialkot introduced the testing facility on Monday as an initiative by local businessmen. The airport itself has the distinction of being the first privately owned public airport in Pakistan, built through funding and efforts by the business community of Sialkot. Along with the nearby cities of Gujranwala and Gujrat, Sialkot forms part of the so-called “Golden Triangle” of Pakistan’s industrial cities with export-oriented economies.
“As soon as we have learnt that they [Sialkot airport] required Rapid PCR test, we moved with the aim to facilitate our business community and passengers,” the airport’s chairman Khawaja Masood Akhtar told Arab News.
The business community welcomed the move.
“We have a lot of businesses which need connectivity with the UAE, as COVID-19 has already affected it due to restrictions,” Qaiser Iqbal Baryar, president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI), said.
Hassan Waseem, a businessman flying to Dubai from Sialkot, told Arab News he was glad he would not have to wait any longer.
“I have waited for my business trip for three months,” he said. “Thankful that I would not miss my meeting due to the rapid PCR test issue.”
Pakistan to install rapid COVID-19 testing at three main airports for UAE travel
https://arab.news/mfrne
Pakistan to install rapid COVID-19 testing at three main airports for UAE travel
- UAE lifted Pakistan travel ban but requires passengers to present negative rapid PCR tests
- Sialkot International Airport is only Pakistani port with rapid PCR testing facility
Pakistan say Australia ‘best’ World Cup preparation amid participation doubts
- Pakistan will decide whether it will participate in upcoming T20 World Cup or not
- Australia arrived in Pakistan today for three-match T20I series starting Thursday
LAHORE: Pakistan take on Australia in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting in Lahore from Thursday, despite doubts over their participation in next month’s World Cup in cricket’s shortest format.
The country’s cricket chief Mohsin Naqvi will announce a final decision on taking part in the mega event either on Friday or Monday.
Pakistan are protesting over last week’s decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which rejected Bangladesh’s demand to relocate their matches out of India over security fears.
Bangladesh are replaced by Scotland in the 20-team event, which runs from February 7 to March 8 with Sri Lanka as co-hosts.
However, despite the doubts, the Pakistan team was preparing for the World Cup with skipper Salman Agha stressing the importance of the Australia series.
“These three games will give us an idea how prepared we are for the World Cup,” Agha told a news conference on Wednesday. “Australia is a top team and will give us the best final preparations.”
Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside defending world champions India, the United States, Namibia and the Netherlands.
Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi returns to full fitness after injuring his knee in the Big Bash League in Australia this month.
“We need to see how many boxes we tick in the series which are important for the World Cup as we aim to do well and win the Cup,” Agha said.
A 17-member Australian squad led by Mitchell Marsh arrived in Lahore early on Wednesday, with the last two matches set for January 31 and February 1.
The Australians are without the injured quartet of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Nathan Ellis, while allrounder Glenn Maxwell was rested to manage workload.
Marsh still believes Australia were ready for the World Cup tune-up series.
“These are very important times in both teams’ preparations for the World Cup,” said Marsh, whose team will be in Group B with Sri Lanka, Oman, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
“This is a very important series as the conditions are similar and that is against a quality side, so we will assess the situation and be clear about our plans ahead.”
