Qatar launches new direct sea route to Pakistan as Gulf blockade continues

Doha: Qatar has launched a new direct route between the country's Hamad Port and Pakistan's port of Karachi, state news agency QNA reported on Monday.[caption id="attachment_3829907" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image. AP[/caption]The new route was launched on Sunday and it will boost trade between the two countries. It will also offer "fast and secure" corridor for importers and exporters, with transit time of six days from Qatar to Karachi and eight days back, Xinhua news agency cited the QNA report as saying."The new shipping line provides more options for customers, exporters and importers from both countries, covering new important ports from around the world, which will play an important role in supporting trade between Qatar and its partners of the world," said Captain Abdul Aziz al Yafei, Director of Hamad Port.Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt imposed land, air and sea blockade on Qatar since 5 June, accusing it of financing extremist groups and allying with the Gulf Arab state's arch-foe Iran. Qatar denies the allegations.