In response to queries from some media colleagues regarding actions taken on the new regulations by Turkish authorities for passengers travelling from several countries including Pakistan, the following is attributable to  

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri Tuesday said the Turkish authorities have granted a one day exemption (for 1 June 2021) to passengers travelling from Pakistan from their newly-introduced 14-day quarantine rule.

“Following the announcement of new regulations by the Turkish authorities imposing a quarantine of 14 days on passengers arriving from several countries including Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara is in touch with the Turkish authorities about this decision. A number of Pakistanis had gotten stranded in Istanbul, as they had started their journey before the announcement of these regulations. At the Embassy’s intercession, the Turkish authorities have granted a one day exemption (for 1 June 2021). These passengers are being allowed entry into Turkey after a negative PCR test conducted at the airport.”

He said the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara and the Consulate General of Pakistan in Istanbul are in close contact with the Pakistanis at the airport to help minimize the impact of these regulations.

A team from the Consulate General is also present at the Istanbul Airport to render necessary assistance to Pakistani nationals, he added.