ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Friday called for a swift launch of the country’s first service, immediate reforms in licensing procedures and financial facilitation for operators to ensure affordable sea travel and boost maritime connectivity.
Pakistan has been mulling routes for a ferry service it plans to launch to connect its southwestern Gwadar port with the Gulf region, according to the country’s maritime affairs ministry.
Five privately-owned firms submitted their proposals, showing growing interest of the private sector, as officials reviewed technical and financial aspects of ferry operations last month.
Highlighting broader benefits of sea travel, Chaudhry pointed out that ferry services could provide an affordable and reliable travel solution for pilgrims aspiring to visit Iran and Iraq.
“Beyond tourism and business, this service can greatly facilitate religious travel. We can offer pilgrims a new, secure, and cost-efficient option for their journeys,” he was quoted as saying by his ministry.
