Apart from the several options the people of Pakistan have, in terms of travel, the Government has announced that they will be able to make international ferry services more accessible to the general public.
A new policy has been or is being put in place where the rates for local public will be charged in local Pakistani currency rather than in US Dollars.
Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs, Ali Haider Zaidi, tweeted, “in pursuance of Prime
Minister Imran Khan’s vision of Blue Economy, the federal cabinet has
allowed the initiative to start ferry/passenger ships to all possible
destinations across the world. Maritime frontiers now open for sea
travel,” he added.
The idea of Blue Economy according to the World Bank is to use the oceans resources in a more sustainable way for improved economic growth. The European Commission defines it as ‘all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.’
Through the ferry service leading international travelling more affordable specifically for countries in the Middle East. The Government is most likely planning on welcoming the private sector to perform similar services.
To provide economical transport to pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, Zaidi hinted last year at launching ferry services for these particular reasons. Interesting to experience how this particular venture will turn out, whether they can achieve the goals they have set out or face several obstacles that may possibly make their goals unachievable.