Pakistani authorities have allowed the use of the Russian vaccine Sputnik in emergencies, with the first batch of vaccines arriving in Pakistan by the end of this month.
Officials say the use of the Russian vaccine has been authorized by the Registration Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. While the local pharmaceutical company AGP Pharmaceutical Company Limited has been given permission to order the vaccine.
Pakistan has so far allowed three vaccines from different countries to be used in emergencies, including the vaccine from the Chinese company Sinopharm, the vaccine from the British company AstraZeneca and the Russian vaccine Sputnik.
Experts say the vaccine is 92% effective against coronavirus.
According to the AGP, the first consignment of 50,000 doses will reach Pakistan this month. The Russian vaccine must be stored at minus 18 degrees.
On the other hand, experts say that the Russian vaccine is likely to be provided in Pakistan at twice the price of India.
