India, Pakistan to sign shipping protocol

Karachi, Apr 5 (UNI) India and Pakistan will sign a new Shipping Protocol by the end of this month, Pakistani shipping minister Babar Khan Ghauri said today.

Talking to newsmen after the inauguration of a media centre at Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) building, he said the two countries have already completed the necessary homework for signing the new shipping deal.

The agreement will be signed by the end of this month after its endorsement by the Indian cabinet, he said.

Pakistan has completed all formalities for the launch of Karachi-Mumbai ferry service and three licences have been issued in this regard, Ghauri said.

The ferry service will be opened after signing of the shipping accord, he added.

Replying to a question about Gwadar Port, Ghauri said the port would start operations in coming June.

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