https://arab.news/52qzr
- Embassy says the consular section will remain shut for five days starting from Sunday
- Afghanistan has seen a surge in cases in recent weeks, with authorities seeking ‘more cooperation’ from international community
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul has suspended its consular services for five days starting from Sunday following a surge in COVID-19 cases and the “deteriorating” state of the pandemic across Afghanistan.
Online visa services, however, will remain operational.
“Due to the deteriorating situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consular section of the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul will remain closed... from 13 June to 17 June 2021,” the embassy said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the decision would be reviewed on June 17 for further action.
Since last week, Afghanistan has reported 1,537 new infections on an average each day. That’s 97 percent of the peak – the highest daily average reported on June 10 – according to a Reuters report.
On Saturday, it registered 973 COVID-19 cases and 67 deaths, taking the total tally to 89,861 infections and 3,527 deaths since the pandemic began.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) held an emergency meeting on Saturday to address the crisis and discuss measures to limit the outbreak, seeking “more cooperation” from the international community.
“COVID-19 is a threat for the entire world, especially for Afghanistan,” the MoPH said in a statement quoting Health Minister Dr. Ferzouddin Feroz.
“Although Afghanistan has less capacity, strict efforts have been in place for the prevention and control of the virus. But due to rapid spread of the virus, MoPH needs more cooperation,” it added.
Afghanistan launched its inoculation drive in February despite relentless violence and limited access to medical facilities in the war-torn country.
Media reports have quoted Afghan health officials saying that the international COVAX program – aimed at improving access to the COVID-19 vaccine for developing countries – would provide vaccines to cover 20 percent of Afghanistan’s 38 million population.
Afghanistan has administered at least 641,295 doses of COVID vaccines so far.
Earlier this week, Amnesty International called on the Afghan government to “immediately address” the shortage of oxygen at hospitals.
“Procure adequate COVID-19 vaccines and other essential medical supplies with support from the international community,” it said in a statement on June 11, adding that the recent spike in cases was a matter of “grave concern.”
“It’s clear that the country has been hit by the third wave of COVID-19, and without urgent international support to contain this surge, the situation could quickly spiral out of control, with existing shortages of life-saving supplies posing serious challenges,” the statement said.