PM open to ferry service between Pakistan, Oman

Says it will provide affordable alternative source of transportation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday welcomed the proposal to start a ferry service between Karachi, Gwadar and Oman’s capital Muscat.

Talking to Oman State Council President Dr Yahya Mahfoodh Salim Al-Manthri at the Prime Minister Office, he said, “This initiative will start a new chapter of friendship between both countries.”

The prime minister said the ferry service would provide an affordable alternative source of transportation for a large number of people, who travel on these routes on a regular basis.



“Pakistan and Oman are natural allies due to geographical proximity and the leadership, government and people of Pakistan hold Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said and the brotherly people of Oman in high esteem,” said Sharif.

The premier said Pakistan was grateful to Oman for its support in connection with a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

On people-to-people contacts, the prime minister expressed satisfaction that Oman was hosting a sizeable Pakistani diaspora working in various sectors.

Pakistan could further provide both unskilled and highly professional manpower in various fields including medicine, engineering, information technology, accountancy, education and technical, he added.



Both countries could benefit immensely through mutual exchange of experts in the field of education, and science and technology, said the prime minister.

He invited investment by Oman in energy-related projects, infrastructure development and consumer-based industry.

The Omani delegation who accompanied Al-Manthri comprised Education and Research Committee member Sheikh Hamed Mohammed Abdallah Bahwan Al Mukhaini, Culture, Media and Tourism Committee member Mohamed Ahmed Ali Al Rawas, Economic Committee member Dr Ahmed Sulaiman Saleh Al-Maimani, Social Committee Deputy Chairman Wafa Salim Ali Al Harrasi and Social Committee member Dr Aisha Ahmed Yousuf Al Washahi.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani and Senator Taj Haider were among senior officials who were present in the meeting.