ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Security Division Dr. Moeed Yusuf on Thursday expressed hope that all Pakistani laborers, especially in the Gulf countries, will be able to return to the country in next few weeks.

“All airlines have been allowed to enter into Pakistan and 270 flights are expected to land in the country from June 26 to 30,” he said while giving a media briefing in Islamabad.

Dr Moeed Yusuf said screening process will be started from Saturday for outbound passengers from Pakistan. During this process, the passengers will be checked for body temperature and other ailments. He also advised the outbound passengers to travel only if they were completely healthy in order to satisfy the requirements of their destination countries.

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He said Prime Minister Imran Khan had given special instructions to take care of overseas Pakistanis.

Three big international airlines, Emirates, Etihad and Fly Dubai, have temporarily suspended outgoing flights from Pakistan owing to rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.

While, the flights coming to Pakistan including cargo flights will carry on the operation as before. Emirates announced suspension of passenger flights on Jun 24, till further announcement. Nevertheless, it would continue cargo service between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. The UAE airline said that it would update the relevant authority on resumption of passenger flights.

The decision was taken after 30 Pakistanis who arrived in Hong Kong through Emirates on June 22 tested positive for the viral disease.

On behalf of the airline, Emirates’ spokesperson apologized from its passengers and hoped that flights would be restore at the earliest possible time.

An Emirates spokesman had on Jun 24 said: “Following the announcement of positive Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong relating to certain passengers who travelled on our flights, Emirates has taken the decision to temporarily suspend passenger services from Pakistan. We are coordinating closely with the various authorities and will review and implement any required additional measures to satisfy all parties before we resume services from Pakistan.”