Pakistan allows citizens to return from Afghanistan without PCR test

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan said in a statement on Sunday that a special permission had been given for the return of Pakistanis from Afghanistan without the mandatory negative PCR test for coronavirus.

"As informed by our mission in Kabul, the current situation in Afghanistan has necessitated imminent repatriation of Pakistani nationals residing in Afghanistan," reads the statement issued by the CAA.

According to the statement, it was decided due to paucity of time to allow Pakistani travellers to return home even without the mandatory negative PCR test results. The test is usually conducted within 72 hours prior to commencement of travel to Pakistan.

The rule will remain in effect for all direct flights between Kabul and Islamabad up to August 18, 2021.

The CAA said, "This approval, however, is subject to strict compliance with other provisions of standard operating procedures in-vogue relating to inbound travel to Pakistan, including Rapid Antigen testing, PCR Testing and any other stipulations as mandated by the relevant health authorities upon arrival in Pakistan."

This means that upon arrival passengers will be subject to all tests made mandatory by health authorities, as well as strict compliance of safety measures.

Special PIA flights on Aug 16, 17 and 18

The PIA will run special flights between Kabul and Islamabad on August 16, 17 and 18, to facilitate Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan.

PIA will operate Boeing 777 flights, the sources said, adding that the airline has sought permission in this regard from the Afghan civil aviation authority.

PIA is already operating Airbus 320 flights to Afghanistan.