ISLAMABAD – The US has denied providing COVID-19 vaccine to Pakistan infirst phase as the American pharmaceutical firm will meet the localrequirement before exporting it to other virus-hit countries, it emerged onWednesday.

Pakistani Mission in Washington got the disappointing response when itapproached the officials to book vaccine for the country that is facingsecond wave of COVID-19.

The mission has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the denialof the US, local media reported citing sources.

In a letter, it was stated that the Pakistani Mission in Washington and thehealth ministry are in contact with companies for advance booking of thevaccine.