PNSC gets Pakistan's first ferry cruise service license

KARACHI: Paving way for local and international travel through ferries, Government of Pakistan has issued the first license of a ferry cruise service to state-owned Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), ARY News reported.

Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo issued the very first license of ferry cruise service to Chairman
PNSC  Mr. Arif Elahi in presence of Director General (P&S) Mr. Asad Rafi Chaandna and Director PNSC Brig. Rashid Siddiqui.

This license will make the PNSC capable of facilitating passengers across Pakistan in both domestic and international voyages through the ferry ships. It will also pave way and open new avenues in the shipping sector.

PNSC reportedly has plans to launch a ferry service from Karachi to Pasni in Gwadar and Chahbhar in Iran this year. The corporation’s plans also include launching of a similar service from Karachi to the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and economically viable ferry services to other islands to promote commercial and tourism activities.

Talking to ARY News, Bizenjo said that Pakistan was probably the only country in the region which had no ferry service so it took a little time to develop a policy for such service now that a firm has applied for the license, the ministry issue it.

“These licenses will be of two types, if you want to operate the ferry domestically you can, while there are licenses for Dubai and Iran too are available,” said Bizenjo.