Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry is pushing for the rapid implementation of Pakistan’s inaugural ferry service. He is advocating for immediate licensing procedure modifications and financial aid for operators to make sea travel accessible, aid pilgrims, and enhance maritime connections.
During a presentation by Shipping and Ports Director General Alia Shahid here on Friday, the minister directed the complete digitization and integration of the ferry licensing process into the Pakistan Single Window platform. This mirrors existing ship registrations and aims to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles. He mandated a reduction in the licensing period from six months to one.
‘Unnecessary delays are unacceptable,’ he declared. ‘We must streamline procedures and take decisive action.’ To encourage private investment, the minister suggested examining adaptable financial structures for ferry operators. ‘We need to determine the most effective approach: bank guarantees, insurance guarantees, or a combined system,’ he explained. ‘Our goal is to empower, not obstruct, entrepreneurs investing in this area.’
The minister emphasized the advantages of sea travel, highlighting its potential as an economical and dependable transportation method for pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq. “This service can significantly facilitate religious journeys, offering pilgrims a safe, affordable alternative,’ Chaudhry stated.
He also underscored the wider utility of ferry services, especially for religious travelers. ‘Annually, 700,000 to 1,000,000 Pakistani pilgrims journey to Iran and Iraq. Even if just 20% choose ferries initially, that represents 140,000 to 200,000 passengers yearly, showcasing substantial economic promise,’ he observed.
Discussions with private operators and regional maritime authorities are ongoing. Feasibility assessments and regulatory structures are being completed, with a trial run anticipated shortly. ‘If implemented effectively, this service could become a crucial regional transportation connection,’ Chaudhry concluded. ‘A detailed implementation strategy will be revealed in the next few weeks.’