By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs approved its first international ferry service license on Monday, tapping Sea Keepers to connect the country’s ports with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The decision came after a high-level meeting of the licensing committee comprising officials from the ministries of maritime affairs, defence, foreign affairs, and interior, alongside port authorities and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. It marks a pivotal step in harnessing Pakistan’s coastal geography for economic gain. The move aims to boost trade, tourism, and religious travel across the region.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry celebrated the move as a “historic step” aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy. “This licence creates the opportunity for boosting regional connectivity, religious tourism, and economic activity via sea routes,” Chaudhry said in a statement released by the ministry.
The new ferry service is poised to serve hundreds of thousands of passengers each year, offering a vital alternative for diverse groups. Pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, particularly during significant religious observances like Arbaeen, the chehlum of Imam Husain,will benefit, as will workers and tourists heading to GCC states. “The ferry service will alleviate pressure on land routes and reduce travel costs compared to air transport for the Pakistani diaspora and religious travellers,” Chaudhry said.
Just last week, the maritime ministry was exploring ferry options amid a deadlock in negotiations over the government’s decision to ban land travel to Iran for pilgrims during Arbaeen. The service is expected to provide a practical solution for pilgrims, ensuring safer and more accessible travel to religious sites in Iran and Iraq.
Operations will begin from Pakistan’s two key ports, Karachi and Gwadar, using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities.\ “Initial operations will commence from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe, affordable travel,” Chaudhry said. “Expansion of routes and port calls is planned based on demand and bilateral agreements.” While the ministry has not yet announced a specific launch date, preparations are underway to roll out the service.
Monday’s announcement builds on recent efforts to bolster Pakistan’s maritime capabilities. Last month, the ministry unveiled plans to expand Gwadar Port’s operational capacity by introducing additional shipping lines and launching ferry services to GCC countries. Five private companies have already proposed routes for the Gwadar-to-Gulf service, signaling strong private-sector interest in Pakistan’s maritime push.
“This ferry service launch forms part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to develop its blue economy, improve trade logistics, and promote maritime tourism, reflecting a renewed commitment to sustainable regional sea transport infrastructure,” Chaudhry added.
Pakistan, navigating recovery with a $7 billion IMF lifeline, is betting on its strategic location to lure investment and sharpen its trade edge. Recent measures include a 50 percent reduction in port charges for exporters at Port Qasim last month and plans to cut container dwell time at seaports by up to 70 percent to ease congestion and streamline operations.
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