Ali Zaidi, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs hinted to launch a ship service on Wednesday while talking to a local news channel, to provide another mean of transport to pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj and Umrah.

While talking to a local news channel, Zaidi said,

“Ferry and passenger ship services require a NOC from the Ministry of Defence as we have applied once again for the service and included Jeddah, Basra, Oman for the destination to make it feasible.” 

Source: ARY News

While talking to the channel, he said that through Ferry services, Hajj, Umrah and pilgrimages to Middle Eastern countries can become economical and to operate such services government has planned to welcome the private sector.

Apart from Hajj and Umrah, Zaidi also announced to start an additional services for devotees going to Iraq.

Ali Haider Zaidi said that he has recommended registrations of ships by 2030 and the ministry will soon going to make major announcements in its new shipping policy.

Zaidi expressed his hopes that the marine industry will play an important role in Pakistan’s development.