The Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Monday approved its first Ferry service license to an international Ferry operator, authorizing the company to operate routes that connect Pakistan with the countries of the Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (CCG).
Last month, the Ministry announced an ambitious plan to expand the operational capacity of the Gwadar port by introducing additional shipping lines and launching a ferry service that connects Pakistan with the CCG countries.
The approval followed a high -level meeting of the licenses committee, which includes maritime affairs officials, defense, foreign affairs and interior ministries, together with representatives of the National Corporation for the Shipping of Pakistan, as well as the port and shipping authorities.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, praised the measure as a historical step aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the National Maritime Policy of Pakistan.
“This license creates the opportunity to boost regional connectivity, religious tourism and economic activity through maritime routes,” he emphasized.
It is expected that the new Ferry service will serve hundreds of thousands annually, particularly pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, together with workers and tourists destined for the states of the CCG.
“The Ferry service will relieve pressure on land routes and reduce travel costs compared to air transport for Pakistani diaspora and religious travelers,” he said.
“The initial operations will begin from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern ferry ships equipped with essential services to guarantee safe and affordable trips. The expansion of port routes and calls is planned according to demand and bilateral agreements,” he added.
“This launch of the Ferry service is part of the broader strategy of Pakistan to develop its blue economy, improve commercial logistics and promote maritime tourism, which reflects a renewed commitment to regional sustainable maritime transport infrastructure.”
Last week, in the midst of a point in the negotiations on the government’s decision to prohibit dirt trips to Iran for pilgrims during Arbaeen, Imam Husain’s chehlum, the maritime ministry was deliberating to launch a ferry service to facilitate the trip of Zaireen (pilgrims) to Iran and Iraq.
Last month, five private companies proposed routes for the newly announced Ferry service from Gwadar to the Gulf region, according to the Maritime Ministry.
