KARACHI: The ban on pilgrims from West Pakistan to the Hedjaz has been lifted. Sailings and air traffic will be resumed immediately, says a Pakistan Government Press note. East Pakistan however is characterised as “cholera infected” by the Saudi Arabian Government. Air traffic from East Pakistan will not be allowed. Clinical tests of pilgrims proceeding by sea is compulsr.

Pakistan has accepted the Saudi Arabian invitation to a health conference at Jeddah. Bharati and Regional WHO representatives will also attend.

… The Press note states, “on the question of restrictions imposed on pilgrims from Pakistan, the Royal Saudi Arabian Government have announced the following: “(1) West Pakistan is regarded as free from Cholera. The ban in this case is lifted provided pilgrims comply with the usual international regulations. East Pakistan is regarded as Cholera infected and is subject to following [restrictions]: (A) Complete prohibition of air traffic, (B) Stool examination of pilgrims proceeding by sea. []If this is not accepted, then stool examination should take place at Kamran. If this condition is not accepted, then pilgrims should not be sent until the epidemic is over.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2025