In a decisive push toward revolutionizing Pakistan’s maritime travel, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has called for the immediate launch of the country’s first ferry service. Emphasizing urgency, the minister criticized bureaucratic delays and called for rapid changes in licensing policies and the creation of a financially feasible environment for private sector involvement.
“There’s no justification for a half-year delay,” said Chaudhry during a recent policy briefing. “We must eliminate red tape and act decisively.”
Vision: Affordable Sea Travel & Regional Connectivity
The proposed ferry service aims to:
- Reduce travel costs for passengers, especially pilgrims (Zaireen) traveling to Iran and Iraq
- Enhance regional maritime connectivity between Pakistan and neighboring nations
- Offer a reliable alternative to air and road transport, especially during seasonal travel surges
Policy Reforms and Digital Integration
During a detailed presentation by Alia Shahid, Director General of Shipping and Ports, the minister ordered:
- Ferry licensing procedures to be digitized and integrated with Pakistan Single Window, similar to ship registration systems
- Reduction in license processing time from six months to just one month
- Policy flexibility and financial models to attract ferry service operators and investors
The minister emphasized that streamlining regulatory procedures would lower barriers to entry and attract much-needed private investment in maritime transportation.
Private Sector Engagement Underway
Preliminary discussions are already taking place with:
- Regional maritime agencies
- Private ferry operators
- International stakeholders interested in providing infrastructure, fleet options, and operations support
A pilot ferry route is being actively planned and may be launched in the near future, pending the finalization of feasibility assessments and operational guidelines.
Strategic Impact
The initiative is expected to:
- Boost maritime tourism and economic development
- Provide secure and economical transport for thousands of Zaireen annually
- Strengthen diplomatic and trade relations through improved sea routes
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on statements and data from government officials and departmental briefings. Plans for Pakistan’s first ferry service are under development and subject to change based on policy decisions, feasibility reports, and stakeholder involvement. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources for the most updated information.
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