PNSC ponders ferry services

KARACHI: Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) held a meeting at its head office to explore the options for establishing ferry services, a statement said on Wednesday.
Proposals included a fast ferry cargo service from Pakistan to UAE, cargo cum passenger service from Karachi to Gwadar, and a special ferry for pilgrims between Karachi and Iran/Iraq.
Ports and Shipping Minister Kamran Michael, Ports and Shipping Secretary Khalid Pervez, Ports and Shipping Director General Abdul Malik Ghouri, PNSC Chairman Arif Elahi, SP&PL Executive Director Capt Muhammad Sarfaraz, and private entrepreneurs, including National Management Consultants (Pvt) Ltd Chairman Dr Junaid Ahmad, Al Qaem Pilgrims Saleem Akbar Ali, and Shoaib Shipping CEO Jawaid Iqbal attended the meeting.
All the participants shared their views and experiences and fully supported the idea to start ferry services for cargo and passengers, particularly Zairine visiting Iran and Iraq by road.
The shipping minister reaffirmed that the federal government was keen to start the ferry services particularly for those visiting Iran/Iraq “as national cause”. He stated this would be a cheaper and a better alternate route compared to air travel.
Michael encouraged the private entrepreneurs who wished to participate in establishing such services in Pakistan. He assured that all possible assistance and support will be provided to the private sector in running coastal and regional trade, particularly passenger services.