Away from home

Overseas Pakistanis stuck in Pakistan are caught in a dilemma. The latest Covid-19 vaccination policy, which is being followed in multiple countries, suggests that only those vaccinated people who have received the Pfizer vaccine will be allowed to enter their host countries. Many countries, for now, haven’t approved the Chinese vaccine. If these people take this vaccine, which is available in Pakistan, they cannot go back. On the other hand, if they didn’t get vaccinated, their Pakistani SIMs will be blocked. The second problem that these people are facing is that their foreign bank accounts are now dormant. They have to visit the bank offices to complete the verification process and get their accounts reactivated. These people, however, have been stuck in the country for many months now – and are also at risk of losing their jobs. Their cars are being impounded by the local police as periodical inspections become overdue. They also face the risk of being declared defaulters for not renewing the lease of their house and not paying utility bills on time.

The authorities concerned must look into the latest policy and should start administering the Pfizer vaccine to Overseas Pakistanis on a priority basis. The government must take timely steps to avoid the potential loss of valuable foreign remittances.

Tipoo Sultan

Rawalpindi