Pakistan mulls ferry service to Oman
Pakistan is seriously considering a passenger ferry service with the Sultanate of Oman to address travel woes during peak seasons, according to a visiting Oman-based Pakistani business delegation in Islamabad, which convinced Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister of Overseas Pakistanis and Religious Affairs, that a water transport service between the two countries could enhance bilateral relations in various fields of interest.
Speaking to the Observer from Islamabad, a spokesperson for the delegation said, "Both countries have a long-standing relationship with historical, cultural and religious ties binding them together. We can capitalise on Oman's unique position as the only country sharing a direct maritime boundary with Pakistan through the Arabian Sea."
The delegation included prominent industrialist, businessman and socio-political leader Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam, social and business figure Syed Zaib Hassan Jaffri, Chairman of Imran Foods Oman Imran Sheikh, Chairman of Sehar Media Group Malik Yamin Awan, and Chairman of Dynamics Sports Sialkot Rana Sikandar Ali Chishti.
The delegation urged Chaudhry Salik Hussain to play a role in strengthening trade relations between Oman and Pakistan. Syed Zaib Hassan discussed visa hurdles for Pakistanis in Oman with the Federal Minister, highlighting the important role of Pakistan's Ambassador Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari in addressing these issues and expressing the Pakistani community's support in Oman for initiatives to enhance bilateral relations.
The Federal Minister assured the delegation that he would address the transport issue through discussions with the Omani government. Delegation members Imran Sheikh and Malik Yameen Awan emphasised the importance of working on a ferry service between Pakistan and Oman to boost trade ties.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister assured the delegation that Pakistani Ambassador to Oman Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari could play a key role in improving Pakistan-Oman trade relations and promoting the idea of a ferry service between the two countries.
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