Cruise Travel Service for Pilgrims to Iran, Says Pakistani Minister
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The Pakistani government took a lot of initiatives to develop shipping and ports of the country, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael said on Monday.
“The Hazara community was facing lot of problems. When the pilgrims used to go to Iran, they were attacked while travelling through Balochistan. Many were killed. On the direction of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif the Ministry of Ports and Shipping has arranged for their travel to Iran by sea. The service will start in a month’s time. We have completed all the homework and talked with the Iranian officials as well as cruise shipping companies," he said.
“This cruise service will start from Karachi and the pilgrims will be taken to Chabahar port of Iran. In the coming budget funds will be allocated for starting this service under the platform of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC)," Michael added.
“The basic purpose of this service is to give protection to the citizens of Pakistan and especially to the Shiite community for travel to Iran. Each passenger will be allowed to carry 100 kg luggage,” the Minister revealed.
“From next year we will also be starting sea travel service for people going to Saudi Arabia for Haj. Low income families would benefit from this service,” he said.
