ISLAMABAD: The government is making all necessary arrangements to start Karachi-Gwadar and Karachi-Iran ferry services within two months.
The services would provide comfortable and affordable travelling facility to the people and devotees of both the countries and also promote tourism and generate economic activity in the region.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to Port Qasim Authority (PQA) on December 28 last year had directed Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), to expedite the work on start Karachi-Gwadar and Karachi-Iran (for Zaireen) ferry services.
Following the directive, Ports and Shipping Federal Minister Kamran Micheal has taken initiatives to launch the service within two months, the spokesperson for Ministry of Ports and Shipping told APP here. Efforts were being made to strengthen ports and shipping sector in a proper manner, he said.
The spokesperson further said that two more ships were being purchased to enhance business activity in the region. He said that a committee was established to ensure transparent procurement of more ships and in this regard, process of recommendation would be completed in next few weeks.
Currently, nine ships were operating in the area to carry out shipments to other ports and earning profit, the spokesperson said. To another question, the spokesperson said that PNSC had earned Rs 800 million profit on its two cargo ships.
