Covid-19 advice for visitors to Pakistan

[Indus Pakistan]

Those who are in the know please advice those of us not in the know about protocols, precautions and any other relevant information that would be of use or applicable to visitors to the country. My ticket is booked for Heathrow-Islamabad. anybody who has done this run would be appreciated. Specific nformation also for the Peshawar-Islamabad-Lahore geographic axis with the northern tip of the triangle resting on Manshera would be appreciated. I suspect lot of my time would be spent in Islamabad.


Thanks in advance.

Ps. It might be 'Naya Pakistan' but on the ground it is still 'Purana Pakistan'. I applied for Visa [my Pakistan passport had expired] and was told 5-7 days. Chap says go talk to so and so. He gave his address. I paid £120 and got the Visa next morning. Then was introduced to another "Mr fix it" on holiday in UK. Right dodgy character with long association with the Nawaz's PML-N but now has changed stripes. He assured me access to higher level functioneries in Islamabad whose help I might need dealing with Pakistani officialdom. Of course not only will need to know "who is who" but be ready to slip wads of Sterling notes into peoples pockets. Welcome ISLAMIC republic of Pakistan.

 

[I.R.A]

Presence of mind at all times. There are no strictly enforced protocols or SOPs (only when you enter a grocery store or shop you are required to wear a mask, that too only if someone forces you to). Keep a small hand sanitizer bottle with you at all times (70% alcohol concentration is recommended, at least that is what I was told by experts), remain vigilant notice symptoms, if you are in company of anyone with cough, flu, fever keep your engagement with them as short as possible and when you are in their presence wear face mask and maintain a safe distance at all times (also do keep in mind lot of people specially children and women are asymptomatic, no symptoms at all). When outside, make a strict habit of not touching your face or any part of it with your hands, unless you have used a hand sanitizer. Keep your engagements with people in open air or well ventilated places.

If you are visiting your relatives in Mansehra well that part would be a lot tricky, you will be offered lots of hugs, hand shakes and you will find most people there without any face masks or concerns.

As I said presence of mind matters, you should be mentally prepared that you will come in contact with an infected person or you will get exposed ........ if you have been vigilant and careful no need to worry Insha ALLAH.

 

[RescueRanger]

Aoa,

I would strongly urge to reconsider travel to Pakistan at present, however if you must come or your travel is essential please find the following information below which may be useful.
Arrival:
Upon arrival you will need to complete one of the following, as well as give local contact details for contact tracing:

Travel within the country:
The Government of Pakistan has introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus, including school closures. There are strict restrictions on public gatherings, including religious congregations, events in wedding halls, and sports matches. Across Pakistan, it is now mandatory to wear a face mask in public and not wearing one is punishable by a fine.

Local lockdowns:
Peshawar:

Islamabad:

Lahore lock down:

Punjab Lockdown extended till 15. July 2020:

Provincial authorities have introduced additional measures, including requiring residents to stay at home, and closing shops, restaurants and other public places. Some public transport has been suspended. Measures are particularly strict in Sindh. There have been reports of patrols and check points to enforce these measures, and some provinces have reportedly introduced powers to fine or arrest anyone breaking the rules.

Some provinces are also imposing compulsory isolation or quarantine for people who have COVID-19 symptoms, or people who have come into contact with others with COVID-19 symptoms.

If you get sick:
The Government of Pakistan has established a national helpline for COVID 19, this can be reached by dialing 1166.

Chatbot: The government of Pakistan has also developed an online CHATBOT for self help, this can be accessed here:
http://covid.gov.pk/chatbot

Hospitals with English Speaking Staff:
Please find a list of hospitals around Pakistan with English speaking staff:

If you need emergency medical assistance please dial 1122 (Punjab, KPK, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, AJK, Murree) or 115 if in Karachi or elsewhere.

Latest infection statistics:

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Leaving Pakistan: Prior to departure you will need to be tested for COVID 19 at your own expense and be symptom free for 98 hours prior to your travel. Without the test you will not be allowed to board your return flight:

Where can i get tested?
You can get tested at any of the following labs at your own expense.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Indus Pakistan]

Aoa,

Very much appreciated for the detailed info you have given me. I will be going to Islamabad, Peshawar, Attock, Abottabad and was thinking of making trip to Lahore to see some sights there but I think that might not be a good idea given that it appears to be a hot spot.

Insha ALLAH.

Again thank you.