KARACHI, Sept 15: The federal government has issued a licence for a ferry service linking Mumbai, Karachi and Dubai. This was announced by the federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Babar Khan Ghauri, here on Thursday.

“The launch of the ferry service was a long-awaited demand of businessmen,” said the minister while talking to newsmen after his visit to Port Qasim. Mr Ghauri pointed out that the ferry service would give considerable boost to trade and would help businessmen, particularly small traders in transporting goods.

He also said that a shipping protocol agreement between India and Pakistan would be signed next month.

“This would induce a number of private shipping companies to operate under Pakistan flag and would help our shipping industry grow considerably,” he added.

—APP