The Pakistani mission in Washington has informed the Ministery of National Health that the two of the pharmaceutical companies working on the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States has turned down Pakistan's request for advance booking to obtain vaccination for the citizens.

Pakistani envoy was in touch with the pharma companies and negotiating to place and advance booking to obtain vaccination for health workers and senior citizens.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had given go-ahead for advance booking of the COVID-19 vaccine, Health Secretary Nosheen Hamid revealed on Tuesday and added that the premier has approved advance booking of coronavirus in wake of a rapid rise in cases. She said that the government has contacted two large pharmaceutical companies in this regard. Hamid maintained that Pakistan will soon pay for the vaccine.

In the first phase, she pointed out that the vaccine will be available to 10 million people. "Initially, the vaccine will be administered to health workers and people above 65 years of age," she said.

Earlier, the PM approved specific funding for the advance purchase of the Covid-19 vaccine. The Health Ministry said that Imran Khan has shown special interest in ensuring quality vaccines at the earliest and has approved specific funding in this regard. The ministry said the government has developed a Covid-19 vaccine strategy in response to global best practices.