Latest news with #PakistaniZaireen
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Global operator: Country's first ferry service licence approved
ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs approved Pakistan's first-ever ferry service licence to a global ferry operator, 'Sea Keepers' authorising the company to operate routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The approval followed a high-level meeting of the Licensing Committee, comprising officials from Maritime Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Interior ministries, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Port and shipping authorities. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, while announcing the development during a detailed presentation by the Director General of Shipping and Ports, Alia Shahid, here on Monday, said that the license has been granted to 'Sea Keepers' for operating the ferry service, and efforts are being accelerated to launch operations soon. He urged immediate reforms to licensing procedures and financial facilitation for operators to ensure affordable sea travel aimed at facilitating the pilgrims, and boost maritime connectivity. 'There's no justification for a half-year delay,' he stated. 'We must eliminate red tape and act decisively.' Chaudhry described the move as a historic step in maritime connectivity, while announcing that the service will begin from Karachi and Gwadar, providing pilgrims and labourers with a safe, comfortable, and affordable travel option. 'The ferry service will not only benefit the public but also boost Pakistan's maritime economy,' said the minister. He added that regional tourism and trade will also grow as a result of this initiative. To remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, the minister instructed that the ferry licensing process be fully digitalised and integrated into the Pakistan Single Window platform, similar to existing ship registrations. He specifically ordered the reduction of the current six-month license issuance period to just one month. In a move to attract private sector participation, the minister called for exploring flexible financial models for ferry operators. 'We must assess whether a bank guarantee, insurance guarantee, or a hybrid model is most viable,' he said. 'Our aim is to support not hinder entrepreneurs who wish to invest in this sector.' Highlighting the broader benefits of sea travel, the minister pointed out that ferry services could provide an affordable and reliable travel solution for Zaireen (pilgrims) aspiring to visit Iran and Iraq. 'Beyond tourism and business, this service can greatly facilitate religious travel. We can offer pilgrims a new, secure, and cost-efficient option for their journeys,' Junaid Chaudhry noted. The minister underscored the broader utility of ferry services, particularly for religious travellers. 'Every year, 700,000 to 1,000,000 Pakistani Zaireen travel to Iran and Iraq. If even 20 percent opt for ferries in the first three years, that's 140,000 to 200,000 passengers annually, representing significant economic potential,' he noted. Stakeholder consultations, including with private operators and regional maritime authorities, are currently under way. Feasibility studies and regulatory frameworks are being finalised, with a pilot launch expected in the coming weeks. 'If implemented effectively, this service could become a vital new transport link across the region,' Junaid Chaudhry concluded. 'We will unveil a detailed roadmap for rollout within the next few weeks.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Flexible financial terms for ferry operators under consideration: minister
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Friday called for the swift launch of Pakistan's first ferry service, urging immediate reforms in licensing procedures and financial facilitation for operators to ensure affordable sea travel, support pilgrims, and enhance regional maritime connectivity. The minister made these remarks during a detailed briefing by the Director General of Shipping and Ports, Alia Shahid, at his office in Islamabad. To eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, the minister directed that the ferry licensing process be fully digitalised and integrated into the Pakistan Single Window platform, mirroring the existing system for ship registrations. He specifically instructed that the current six-month license issuance timeline be cut down to just one month. 'There's no justification for a half-year delay,' he said. 'We must eliminate red tape and act decisively.' Gwadar Port: govt announces new shipping lines, ferry service to GCC In a move to encourage private sector participation, the minister called for exploring flexible financial models for ferry operators. 'We must assess whether a bank guarantee, insurance guarantee, or a hybrid model is most viable,' he said. 'We aim to support, not hinder, entrepreneurs who wish to invest in this sector.' Chaudhry highlighted the broader utility of sea travel, particularly for religious pilgrims. 'Ferry services could offer an affordable and reliable option for Zaireen travelling to Iran and Iraq,' he said. Five private firms submit proposals for Gwadar-Gulf ferry service: maritime ministry 'Every year, 700,000 to 1,000,000 Pakistani Zaireen visit Iran and Iraq. If even 20% opt for ferries in the first three years, that's 140,000 to 200,000 passengers annually, a figure that carries significant economic potential,' he added. Stakeholder consultations with private operators and regional maritime authorities are currently underway. Feasibility studies and regulatory frameworks are being finalised, with a pilot launch expected in the coming weeks. 'If implemented effectively, this service could become a vital new transport link across the region,' the minister said, adding that a detailed roadmap for rollout will be unveiled soon.
Business Recorder
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM directs Naqvi to launch Gwadar Safe City project
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi to start work on the Gwadar Safe City project. In a meeting with the prime minister, he briefed him on the new policy devised for the devotees visiting holy sites in Iran and Iraq. Iran eases visa rules for Pakistani Zaireen The prime minister, on the occasion, directed the minister for aviation to arrange special flights for the devotees. The minister also briefed PM Shehbaz on the law and order situation in Balochistan.
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Iran eases visa rules for Pakistani Zaireen
TEHRAN: On the eve of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's visit to Tehran, Iran has issued new visa policy for Pakistani Zaireen. Mohsin Naqvi attended trilateral meeting between Iran, Iraq and Pakistan in Tehran to discuss the problems faced by the Zaireen and the provision of facilities on the occasion of Arbaeen (Chehlum of Imam Hussain). Interior Minister visited Iran and requested Iran and Iraq to announce more facilities for Pakistani Zaireen. According to Iran's new visa policy for Pakistan Zaireen, visa fee has been made completely free for Pakistani visitors as well as for double-entry visas. Issuance of Iranian visas for Arbaeen of Imran Hussain (AS) will continue from 1st Safar to 16th Safar of Islamic month. Now Zareen must be accompanied by a registered caravan/caravan on Arbaeen. For the land travel of pilgrims on Arbaeen, the caravan must arrange its own bus and also have a valid Iraqi visa of Iraq before an Iranian visa.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business Recorder
268 Pakistanis repatriated from Basra successfully: FO
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in close coordination with Iraqi Airways, successfully facilitated the repatriation of 268 Pakistani nationals earlier Monday, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson confirmed. The Pakistani nationals were brought back through two special flights from Basra to Karachi and Islamabad. Both flights have safely reached Pakistan, the spokesperson added. The ministry remains actively engaged with Iraqi Airways and all other relevant Iraqi authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining Pakistani Zaireen in Iraq. 'All Pakistani Zaireen currently in Iraq are advised to remain in close contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad, designated Mandoobs, and their respective airlines for timely updates regarding their travel arrangements,' Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan remarked. Iraqi Airways is presently operating daily flights on the Basra–Dubai route. On Monday, some Pakistani nationals availed themselves of this option. The FO spokesperson said those Pakistani nationals interested in travelling via this route are encouraged to contact the nearest Iraqi Airways office for booking and assistance. All Zaireen are further advised to remain prepared for travel at short notice, he added. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to facilitating the safe and orderly return of all Pakistani Zaireen. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
