Islamabad: Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has directed for the swift launch of Pakistan's first ferry service. In a meeting with Director General of Shipping and Ports Alia Shahid, held in Islamabad, he emphasized the need for expediting the process.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister instructed that the ferry licensing process be fully digitalized and integrated into the Pakistan Single Window platform, similar to existing ship registrations. This step aims to streamline operations and ensure efficiency in the registration process.

Furthermore, he mandated a significant reduction in the licensing period, cutting it down from the current six months to just one month. This change is expected to accelerate the launch and operation of ferry services.

In addition, the Minister advocated for the involvement of the private sector by exploring flexible financial models for ferry operators. This initiative is anticipated to encourage private companies to participate actively in the development and management of the ferry service, potentially leading to a thriving maritime industry in Pakistan.