Pakistan inaugurates first passenger ferry terminal in bid to boost coastal tourism

By Staff Reporter

KARACHI: Pakistan has opened its first passenger ferry terminal at Karachi Port and granted the country’s inaugural ferry service license, marking a push to develop maritime tourism and draw private investment into a sector long dominated by cargo operations.

The terminal was inaugurated Thursday by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who said services are slated to start later this month. The move represents a breakthrough for Pakistan, which boasts more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline along vital regional shipping lanes but has never had a licensed passenger ferry network.

Officials hailed the development as a key step in addressing regulatory shortcomings and spurring private-sector involvement in coastal transport, an area that has lagged behind the nation’s focus on freight handling and port management. “This ferry service is not just a transport initiative but a gateway to economic opportunities, tourism promotion and regional connectivity,” Chaudhry said at the inauguration ceremony.

Pakistan awarded its first ferry service license in August 2025, paving the way for passenger routes to Iran and Gulf countries. With the Karachi terminal now operational, the government is shifting toward implementation, aiming to capitalize on the so-called blue economy — a global concept encompassing sustainable development tied to oceans, ports and coastal assets.

Authorities say the initiative could invigorate tourism along the coast, enhance links with neighboring regions and create jobs in transportation, hospitality and supporting industries.

Chaudhry noted that the initial license has already sparked interest from other investors eager to launch passenger operations, reflecting rising confidence in Islamabad’s maritime overhaul. The ministry is collaborating with port officials to upgrade facilities and foster public-private partnerships, he added. In a related effort, the Port Qasim Authority is preparing to announce a new industrial zone, aligning with broader plans to integrate ports with manufacturing expansion and export growth.

Pakistan’s maritime sector has historically prioritized bulk cargo and logistics, leaving passenger services underdeveloped amid bureaucratic hurdles and scant commercial interest. The new regulatory setup allows private firms to run ferries under state supervision, potentially unlocking billions in investment as the country seeks to diversify its economy beyond textiles and agriculture.

The Karachi terminal’s launch comes as global shipping faces headwinds from geopolitical tensions and supply-chain disruptions, but officials see domestic and regional ferry routes as a resilient avenue for growth.