Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael (C). PHOTO: PPI
Kamran Michael, the federal minister for ports and shipping, told Daily Express that the Hajj service will only charge Rs25,000 to Rs30,000 to take the pilgrims to the holy land. The service will begin from the next Hajj season after the prime minister’s approval, he announced.
He said that it costs about Rs300,000 for a Pakistani pilgrim to perform Hajj, which is difficult for a common person. “Therefore, the government has decided to economise the holy journey,” he explained.
He said the ministry was acquiring fast-moving craft from Europe that will get Hajj service passengers to Saudi Arabia in six days. The service will also provide food to the pilgrims.
The minister said the plan includes cargo service to and from the Middle East and negotiations with immigrations and customs is in progress to execute the idea.
He said that after the Hajj service becomes operational, the ministry will then start an additional service for the devotees going to Iran, which will help some people avoid travelling through Balochistan. The pilgrim route via Balochistan has come under attack recently.
‘Missing’ containers
Michael said the theft of containers scandal also surfaced soon after he took charge and the Supreme Court has set up an investigating commission after taking a suo motu notice.
The ministry is planning to introduce an IT database system at all the ports of the country so that the theft of containers can be curbed. A tracking chip will be attached to every container that landed on the port, he explained.
Industrial zone
An industrial zone has been set up at Port Qasim where 3,000 industrial units will be established. A coal plant will be built that will produce 500 MW of electricity and make Port Qasim self-sufficient in electricity.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2014.
COMMENTS (21)
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I agreed and appreciated the comments of Nadeem Chohan about Indian Government which faciliated to their muslim citizizan. I m not worried about muslim government like Nadeem chohan, I m worried about all air lines including saudi/emirates airlines, all traveling agenents and all Hajj quota agents, because all above dont want to leave heavy profit from the peoples.
However Mr. Kamran Michael can do the same and I and the million of the people of pakistan with him.
Regards
Muhammad Saleem Azam Basti Karachi
Asalamoalikum 2 all This is very good idea Allah bless you and we all.....
AASALAM O ALAIKUM WHAT IS THE WAGER ?????????????????/ FOR APPLIED KINDLY REPLY???????????
Well done kamran michael if a Hindu state (INDIA) can provide muslims pilgrims very well services why not Mr. Kamran Michael can do the same? I worried about that our muslim govt will naver give the permission of this low cost traviling. Once again thanks to Mr. Kamran Michael for thinking this kind of facilities for our muslims.
From which date Booking is gonna start
from which date *booking *will be start
only people under 60 should be allowed in these ships
This was the need of the people who could not afford the high cost travelling by air over 35 years back. By the way, this privilege was withdrawn by the democratic govt (all comprising of the elders of the politicians of today). The Shipping Companies operating these ships were first nationalised and later the then rulers switched over their policy to send the pilgrims by air route. The passanger ships became redundant and these ships were auctioned/gifted to their dear ones on scrap value. This would again be a lucurative charm for the political leaders enjoying their tenure of rules. Atleast from the past happening no private sector would dare investing in this business. Wish this service is introduced in true spirit keeping it safe from the ' Thugs' anxiousely waiting for their tenure of rule.
Let us hope this work as an ex mariner I have my doubts on this, as only two round trips can be performed pre & post Haj season with max 1200Pax These days only modern cruise liners are available, gone are the days of employing old rustic troop ship as passenger vessels
A very good idea. It must be given topmost priority. Is bus service not viable? I am sure there must be bus services going from Iran. I know definitely that buses from Turkey for Hujj have been going since a long long time. Buses must be the cheapest for the hard pressed Haajees and Zaayayreen.
Not sure of this. Is there some documentation as to what should a Ministry of Ports and Shipping do?
Is running a shuttle service for Hajj pilgrims included in the responsibilities? Won't it affect the PIA's revenues, or are they targeting a lower class segment?
Pakistan's Hajj quota has already been reduced even further.
wow very good news... happy :)
GOOD STEP, TO REDUCE TRAVEL COST
This is bound to be a corruption conduit. Once they mention procuring ships from Europe, one can sense the intention is not to provide cheap transport but to make margin on ship procurement. Given the limit on the number of Haj pilgrims cost is not a concern. Even those who can afford miss out due to the limited quota imposed by the Saudi Govt for managing crowds. Cost is irrelevant.
Well done kamran michael.......hope fully this will ease the pilgrimage for millions in Pakistan
This is a very accommodative and economical idea; very intellectual and feasible thinking on part of Mr. Kamran Michael; goes to show that we should assimilate the ideas from people of all backgrounds, including minorities, available in Pakistan. Hope you are successful in the implementation of this idea. Good Luck!
I hope a non muslim minister will manage hajj voyage better than us muslims with long beards to prove its all about good governance and not religion
Wahhh.. .not a bad idea. I will definitely be going through ship next year to Perform Hajj :)
very old but if it can bring the cost down for some people it will be welcome.