Finally Pakistan has started the counters for conducting rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for coronavirus, which have become functional at all international airports of Pakistan (“Rapid test facility functional at all airports,” Gulf Today, August 15).

The development comes after hundreds of passengers were barred from travelling to Dubai for not having a rapid PCR test, which is required to be conducted within four hours before the departure of the flight.

Thanks for informing us that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has the services of the UAE-accredited Pakistani labs made available at the airports. He said that the counters have started taking rapid PCR tests for the passengers departing from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar and Faisalabad airports.

Airport managers have been instructed by the CAA to provide all facilities and assistance to the passengers.According to the latest travel advisory issued by the UAE authorities, the travellers are now required to have a valid COVID-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours between the time of sample collection and scheduled flight departure. The UAE has allowed fully vaccinated Emirati residents from Pakistan to return from August 5. However, rapid PCR tests of departing travellers will be conducted at all airports. Given the nature of the tests, passengers are requested to arrive at the airport at least 5 hours in advance.

Shamsuddin Ahmed
By email