The ferry will run from Karachi to Chahbahar Iran and will start its operation from next month. PHOTO: FILE





Federal Minister for Port and Shipping Kamran Michael on Monday announced the start of a ferry service to Iran to provide a secure mode of transportation to the devotees visiting religious sites.





The ferry will run from Karachi to Chahbahar Iran and will start its operation from next month. The minister said the service is being started on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s directive in view of the increasing terror attacks on the buses en route to Iran.

Speaking at the high tea arranged in his honour by the Karachi Union of Journalist (KUJ), Michael said speedboats service is also being started from Karachi which will deliver prepared food within 24 to 28 hours to the gulf state.

He said the ministry was also going to sign an agreement with Sri Lankan government, which will use Pakistan’s vessels for import-export. He said this would be the first of its kind agreement in the world.

“The ministry is also purchasing two new oil tankers for Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. After their inclusion the number of ships in Pakistan’s fleet will rise to 11,” he added.Published in The Express Tribune, April 29, 2014.