New Ferry Licence Paves Sea Route to Iran and Gulf
In a landmark development, Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has granted its first-ever ferry licence to an international operator, authorising regular sea routes from Pakistan to Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This decision comes as part of an expansive national plan to enhance Gwadar Port’s functionality and integrate Pakistan more effectively into regional maritime networks.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, hailed the move as a historic advancement in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s broader vision and Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy. The initiative is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and open new avenues for religious tourism through sea transport.
The approval came after a high-level committee—comprising officials from the ministries of maritime affairs, defence, foreign affairs, and interior, alongside the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation—convened to deliberate the strategic importance of launching ferry routes from Pakistan’s key ports.
The ferry service will initially operate from Karachi and Gwadar, deploying modern vessels equipped with vital passenger amenities. This alternative mode of transport is expected to benefit pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq during religious seasons, as well as workers and tourists travelling to GCC states.
Officials underscored that this new ferry route will ease the burden on land travel, reduce air travel costs for overseas Pakistanis and religious travellers, and offer a sustainable, sea-based alternative for cross-border movement.
The ferry service is also part of Pakistan’s strategic push to develop its blue economy and strengthen maritime logistics, positioning Gwadar as a central node in future regional trade and tourism. With several private companies already proposing additional routes, Pakistan’s maritime connectivity is poised for a significant transformation.