Pakistan Airports on High Alert after WHO declares Ebola Global Emergency

ISLAMABAD – World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola global health emergency after outbreaks in Congo and Uganda triggered heightened vigilance worldwide. In Pakistan, authorities placed airports on high alert, tightening screening and surveillance measures as a precaution. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal directed all relevant departments to immediately enforce reinforced screening protocols at airports nationwide, signaling an escalation in the country’s biosecurity posture amid renewed global concern over the deadly virus. Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the decision has been taken in line with WHO alerts, which raised international concern over resurgence of Ebola in parts of Africa. Officials confirmed that screening and monitoring systems across airports have been significantly intensified, with health authorities operating under a high-alert framework. The ministry said that, based on WHO assessments, the current Ebola outbreak remains geographically contained within Congo and Uganda, with no reported cases outside Africa at this stage. However, Pakistani authorities are treating the situation as a serious preventive priority. Travel advisories have been issued for passengers traveling to or returning from affected African regions, urging them to follow medical guidelines and comply with enhanced screening procedures at departure and arrival points. Officials made it clear that Pakistan has never reported a single case of Ebola, and no neighboring country has experienced an outbreak. Given the limited travel links with the affected regions, the assessed risk to Pakistan remains low. Nevertheless, authorities said precautionary measures have been escalated in line with international health protocols. While no travel restrictions have been imposed, the government has accelerated nationwide monitoring, surveillance, and preparedness activities. Health departments across provinces, along with border health services