ISLAMABAD – The British government’s decision to remove Pakistan from the red list countries would come into force from September 22, 2021, however, Pakistan would remain on amber list till October 4 which requires strict implementation of corona SOPs by all people, Pakistan High Commissioner to UK Moazzam Ahmed Khan said yesterday.
Talking to The Nation on phone from London, the high commissioner termed the decision by the British government to remove Pakistan from the red list as a major breakthrough and said the decision would benefit thousands of passengers stuck in Pakistan to be able to travel to the UK in coming days.
He said after Pakistan’s removal from the red list Pakistani citizens no longer require mandatory hotel quarantine which was very costly, and would require only home quarantine. He, however, said after October 4, 2021 Pakistani passengers would travel to the UK as normal passengers. Moazzam Khan said the British government’s decision would also benefit a large number of Pakistani students and businessmen and families who would be able to travel to the UK.
Answering a question, the High Commissioner said the PIA chartered flights are allowed to fly to the UK, however, commercial flights are yet to be restored by British authorities.
He said Pakistan’s NCOC, Foreign Office and Health Ministry in Islamabad have jointly played an important role in removing Pakistan from this list.