National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Minister for Ports and Shipping Mir
Hasil Khan Bizenjo chaired a high level meeting to finalize the
licensing requirements for starting domestic and international ferry
service Pakistan on direction of the Prime Minister.
The meeting was attended by representatives from ministries of
Foreign Affairs, Defence, Interior and Narcotics Control, Federal
Board of Revenue and Anti Narcotics Force, a press release said
here.
The Secretary Ports and Shipping Division explained the
background of the proposal and a detailed briefing was given to
participants on the licensing requirements of the ferry service.
The minister highlighted that the private sector will be the
main agent and beneficiary of the service which is intended for
tourists, overseas workers and businessmen.
The ministry has kept the licensing requirements very simple
to draw interest and attract private sector in the new sector.
The government will be regulator and facilitator of the
service.
The ferry operator who will register ferry under Pakistani
flag shall be exempted upto 2030 from payment of port charges and
annual fee.
The ferry operator under ‘foreign flag’ will be granted 50%
waiver on port charges upto 2030.
The meeting decided to constitute a committee of focal persons
from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence,Interior and Port &
Shipping to examine the applications for grant of license and give
recommendations to the DG(P&S) Wing for grant of license or
otherwise.
After threadbare analysis of the draft licensing requirements
and detailed discussion the meeting approved the proposed licensing
requirement drafted by Ministry of Ports & Shipping for grant of
license for international and domestic ferry service with minor
amendments.