Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs in its meeting has recommended that work of laying fibre optic cables from Karachi to Gwadar be started at its earliest so that the functioning of Gwadar Port Authority can take off effectively. The committee has also recommended expediting work on policy approvals regarding ferry service between Pakistan and Iran for pilgrims going to see holy places in Iran and Iraq. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Senator Nuzhat Sadiq at the Parliament House on Thursday and was attended among others by Senators Fida Muhammad, Muhammad Akram, Salim Zia, Samina Saeed, Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, Sitaray Ayaz, Kauda Babar, Maritime Affairs secretary and heads of all its attached departments and institutions working under the ministry. The committee in its inaugural meeting was given detailed and comprehensive briefings on Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, Pakistan Marine Academy, Directorate General of Ports & Shipping and Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority among others. The committee decided to visit and hold a series of meetings at the headquarters of all departments and authorities under the ministry to be better able to assess their issues and problems and contribute in their resolution. Published in Daily Times, June 29th 2018.