ISLAMABAD: Delayed policy approvals for a ferry between Iran and Pakistan should be expedited, the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs recommended on Thursday.

The committee met under its new chair, Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, for a briefing on a tourism-based ferry service between Gwadar and Chabahar, and the performance of the Department of Ports and Shipping.

Committee members observed that while the Iranian government had completed the formalities to start the service, there had been unnecessary delays on the part of the Pakistani government.

During the meeting, Senator Kauda Babar said that in addition to increasing tourism, the ferry service would also encourage and enhance trade between the two countries.

“More than anything else, the ferry service will be a brilliant facility for pilgrims going to holy places in Iran and Iraq,” Senator Babar said.

The committee also recommended starting the ferry service from Karachi, stopping at Gwadar, Chababar in Iran and then heading to Iraq as well.

The committee was informed that although Ports and Shipping was ready to launch the service, the department was waiting on security clearance to do so.

Senator Sitara Ayaz said that an Iranian delegation of senior foreign and tourism ministry officials that visited Pakistan earlier this year had been eager to launch the service for tourists of both countries, but bureaucratic holdups and Pakistani officials’ carefree attitude had marred the plan.

Other departments are also delaying the launch of the ferry by the department, the committee was told.

During the meeting the committee also recommended laying fibre optic cables from Karachi to Gwadar as early as possible so that the Gwadar Port Authority can begin functioning effectively.

Senator Sadiq also extended felicitations to meeting participants in light of Pakistan’s international water limits being increased from 200 to 350 nautical miles.

The committee vowed to visit Gwadar Port for a better idea of the developments taking place under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2018