Pakistan raises concern after Saudi Arabia bars guests who’ve taken Chinese vaccines

Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has barred the entry of people inoculated with Chinese vaccines, into the nation. This has created recent hassle for Pakistan, as most of its residents had acquired the Chinese Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines.
On Sunday (June 6), the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan pleaded with Saudi Arabia to rethink its choice and embody Chinese vaccines in its record of accepted vaccines.
Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed instructed the media that Imran Khan will take up the matter straight with the Saudi Arabian authorities. He emphasised that PM Imran was in talks with the leaders of the respective nations over the difficulty of Chinese vaccines. Ahmed additional alleged, “(The PM) has also told the cabinet that he is in touch with the (Middle Eastern) countries concerned in this regard. Sinopharm is a great vaccine and I salute the Chinese’ cooperation in this regard.”
Earlier, Asad Umar, the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives had stated that these Pakistanis who must journey to Saudi Arabia for Haj, work, or training inside a month shall be administered Pfizer vaccines on precedence. He had additionally claimed that the non-acceptance of Chinese vaccination certificates will result in a worldwide challenge.
Umar stated, “If every country makes it mandatory for visitors to be inoculated by their choice of vaccine [brands], the entire world would suffer.” While batting for Chinese vaccines, he additionally stated that the Chinese vaccines have been probably the most exported ones.
Saudi Arabia refuses to recognise Chineses vaccination certificates
The Gulf nation up to date its journey restrictions final month to incorporate Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson in its record of accepted vaccines. Saudi Arabia had nonetheless overlooked international guests inoculated with Chinese vaccines.
Despite recognition of two Chinese vaccines by the World Health Organisation, the Gulf nation continues to not recognise these Chinese vaccines. Besides Pakistan, Malaysia has additionally raised related issues. While talking concerning the matter, Science Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stated, “If they have registered or have been jabbed with Sinovac, then we will discuss this matter with the Saudi Arabia government to accord leeway to them.” China has up to now distributed 115 million vaccine doses to about 60 nations, similar to Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, and so forth.