ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has banned foreign travel from six South African countries and Hong Kong due to the emergence of a new coronavirus variant namely ‘Omicron’.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar in his Tweet said: “Based on the emergence of the new Covid variant, notification has been issued restrict travel from 6 South African countries and Hong Kong.”

The minister who is also Chairman of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said the emergence of new variant makes it even more urgent to vaccinate all eligible citizens 12 years and older.

The travel restrictions were introduced as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of the Omicron variant entering Pakistan through international arrivals. Health authorities advised travelers to comply with screening, testing, and quarantine requirements where applicable while closely following updated travel advisories. Officials also reiterated that vaccination, wearing face masks in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, and observing other public health measures remained the most effective tools for limiting the spread of COVID-19. The government said the situation would continue to be monitored in coordination with global health agencies, and travel policies could be revised in light of evolving scientific evidence and the international epidemiological situation.

Authorities also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary international travel, remain vigilant, and follow all health protocols to help prevent community transmission nationwide.