The Airport Health Department said international travelers will not be able to fly without a vaccination certificate given by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) starting September 14.

In a statement, the department has asked Umrah travelers to get their NADRA immunization cards before leaving.

The letter said that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary was the only center designated for vaccination of international travelers.

The airlines have also been asked to verify that Umrah pilgrims have proper immunization certificates when they board their flights.

Those who choose to get vaccinated at the airport have been advised to arrive at least six hours before their scheduled flight.

The airport health department said vaccinations and online registration for international travelers will be carried out at the international departure section of the airport.

The new requirement will be effective September 14.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan submitted his Letters of Credence to President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, marking the appointment of Pakistan’s first ambassadorial level envoy to Armenia after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.

The credentials were given at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan.

President Khachaturyan warmly greeted Ambassador Khan, congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in his term and effective implementation of his diplomatic duties.

The president voiced his readiness to support the efforts aimed at further development of the Armenia-Pakistan ties and expansion of the cooperation in the spheres of mutual interest.

Ambassador Khan expressed congratulations and best wishes of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to President Khachaturyan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen bilateral relations with Armenia.

The two sides stressed the great potential to develop bilateral collaboration, especially in trade and investment, education, culture, people-to-people exchanges and other sectors of economic cooperation.

The presentation of his credentials is a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Armenia relations following the establishing of diplomatic relations in 2025. It is Pakistan’s first ambassadorial appointment to the Republic of Armenia.

Earlier, Ambassador Khan met with Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Armenia. The minister welcomed Ambassador Khan and congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in the fulfillment of his diplomatic obligations. The two sides addressed the bilateral agenda and ways to improve cooperation and exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues.

Ambassador Khan also called on Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and delivered a copy of his Letters of Credence.

The decision to establish diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia was an important policy decision of the leadership of the two nations, Deputy Minister said. The two sides reviewed the possibility of further expanding cooperation in bilateral and multilateral settings.

The Ambassador Khan’s activities in Yerevan reinforced the commitment of Pakistan and Armenia to the progress of bilateral relations and gave an opportunity to discover new channels for cooperation in a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial fields.

Ambassador Khan is also Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and non-resident Ambassador to Armenia.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a written decision on a petition challenging Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled September 27 protest and long march, while creating a three-member bigger bench to consider the matter.

The larger bench will comprise IHC Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Azam Khan and Justice Muhammad Asif. The bench is slated to hear the case on September 10.

Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued a three-page written order from the last session and directed the chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of all four provinces to come before the court in person on Thursday.

PTI finalises backup protest plan if Minar-e-Pakistan demonstration is denied permission

The court also summoned the Islamabad chief commissioner, Islamabad IG and deputy commissioner in their personal capacity. The advocate generals of all four provinces and Islamabad have also been asked to assist the court in the proceedings.

The petition was submitted by a businessman who contended that PTI’s intended demonstration could disrupt citizens and economic activity in Islamabad. His counsel informed the court that legislation governing protests in the capital already exists and highlighted concerns about the likely use of government resources during the planned mobilisation.

During the previous session, the petitioner’s lawyer also referred to PTI’s 2024 protest and brought relevant remarks and newspaper reports before the court. He suggested that protests should not be utilized to exert pressure on governmental institutions and judges.

The court remarked that the subject was of substantial importance and, in view of its sensitivity, issued a notice to the Attorney General for Pakistan for help in the case. The court then determined that the dispute should be heard by a larger bench.

The plea came after PTI organized a September 27 rally and long march towards Islamabad. The party has said the mobilisation is focused at getting access to party founder Imran Khan for his family and personal doctors, as well as raising concerns regarding his legal and prison-related affairs.

The IHC has fixed the subject for further hearing on September 10, when the summoned officials are likely to appear before the three-member bigger bench.