A travellers arrives at Heathrow's Terminal 5 in west London. File/AFP

Gulf Today Report

British government on Friday decided to take Pakistan and some other countries off its "red list" for international travel after almost five months, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.

Eight countries and territories, including Pakistan, Turkey and Maldives, will come off the travel red list at 4:00am on Sept.22, he tweeted.

"From Oct.4, if you’re fully [vaccinated] you won't need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country and from later in Oct, will be able to replace the day 2 PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow," he said.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner also shared the news on Twitter.

"Pleased to confirm Pakistan is off the red list. I know how difficult the last 5 months were for so many who rely on close links between the United Kingdom & Pakistan," he tweeted.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar, said: "Good to know finally the right decision [has been] taken to take Pakistan off red list. UK High Commission in Pak has been supportive throughout. Support for conveying facts about the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan by UK parliamentarians is also highly appreciated.”

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari credited Prime Minister Imran Khan's "strong stance" on the issue.

"Pak was dealt with unfairly so it was time for UK govt to put things right!" she said.