In response to the growing global concern over the monkey pox (mpox) virus, Pakistan has implemented extensive screening measures for international passengers arriving at its airports.

According to sources, at least 18,479 passengers from 135 international flights were screened across the country within a 24-hour period on Thursday. This includes 4,595 passengers at Jinnah International Airport Karachi, 4,964 at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, and 4,790 at Islamabad International Airport.

The screening efforts were also extended to other major airports, with 1,871 passengers from 14 flights screened at Multan airport, 802 passengers from 7 flights at Sialkot airport, 991 at Peshawar airport, 320 at Faisalabad airport, and 146 at Quetta airport.

The Federal Ministry of Health issued strict guidelines on August 20, mandating the implementation of preventive measures, including passenger and crew screening, at all international airports in Pakistan.

The measures aim to mitigate the risk of the monkey pox virus spreading across the country.

In addition to screening, the government has also linked the issuance of visa-on-arrival to the health clearance of passengers.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has also directed airlines flying into Pakistan to take precautionary measures, such as providing face masks to passengers and ensuring the sanitization of hands and disinfection of luggage.

The Border Health Services, designated as the lead agency responsible for coordinating and managing mpox-related operations at international airports, has implemented thermal scanning, visual inspections, and symptom checks to identify potential mpox cases.

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Passengers or crew members identified as suspected cases will be immediately isolated, and contact tracing procedures will be initiated for those who have been in proximity to the infected person.

The government’s proactive response to the mpox scare reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing the potential spread of the virus within the country.

As the global health situation continues to evolve, Pakistan remains vigilant in its efforts to protect its citizens and maintain a safe environment for international travel.