US delegation exempt from Covid test on arrival today

Published October 7, 2021
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is seen during her visit to Turkey in this file photo. — Reuters
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is seen during her visit to Turkey in this file photo. — Reuters

RAWALPINDI: The government has granted exemption from Covid-19 rapid antigen test and body scanning to US Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman and her seven-member team arriving on Thursday (today) on a two-day visit.

The delegation will arrive at Islamabad International Airport by a chartered flight and depart on Friday at 8pm.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the aviation division, chief security officer of the Airports Security Force (ASF) and the airport manager to ensure arrangements for the arrival of the US delegation in Islamabad.

The airport authorities have been directed to ensure access of the delegation to the VIP state lounge, China Gate, at Islamabad airport both during its arrival and departure. In addition to access of vehicles to parking of the state lounge, directives were also issued to ensure provision of porters for handling of delegation’s luggage, availability of golf carts from landing gate to the state lounge, parking of special aircraft at a closer location and provision of Aircraft Bridge for ease of access.

The ASF authorities have been asked to issue five entry passes for the protocol officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and five for the officers from the US Embassy in Islamabad.

According to the foreign affairs ministry’s directive, the delegation would be exempted from Covid-19 (antigen rapid) test on arrival and departure. The visiting delegation will also be exempted from frisking and scanning.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...