Islamabad: In a movement aimed at improving religious tourism and bilateral trade, Pakistan and Iraq have signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) to launch a ferry service between the port of Gwadar and the UMM QASR port.
The agreement was formalized during a meeting between the Minister of Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a delegation of three members of the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad, directed by the vice president of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri.
When describing Mou as “a new chapter” in bilateral relations, Chaudhry emphasized the importance of developing maritime loading and loading links.
Gwadar-Mum Qasr Link to promote trade, connect Pakistani pilgrims with Najaf, Karbala
“The ferry connection can take advantage of our shared cultural and religious ties while unlocking new business opportunities,” he said, underlining the potential of greater port activity and the development of the supply chain under the Blue Economy Strategy of Pakistan.
Ferry service is expected to benefit the Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for religious observances, including Arbaeen, the Imam Hussain chehlum. With the government recently prohibiting land trips to Iran, which was previously used as a traffic route, the new connection is offers a viable alternative. Every year, about one million Pakistani pilgrims visit the sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala during Arbaeen.
The minister informed the delegation that Pakistan is also working to establish ferry routes with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (CCG).
At the meeting, Chaudhry proposed to expand bilateral trade by increasing Pakistani exports of medicines, meat and rice to Iraq, while increasing the importation of Iraqi oil in Pakistan. He pointed out that Pakistan could also meet the demand for potassium sulfate IRA, citing an existing manufacturing installation in the Gwadar free zone.
Commercial figures for fiscal year 2024 show that Pakistan exported goods worth $ 54.29 million to Iraq, while they import oil products for a value of $ 145.46 million.
The minister also sought Iraq’s support for Pakistan’s next offer in the elections of the Maritime Organization International Organization (IMO). Alhimiri assured Iraq’s support in this regard.
Posted in Dawn, August 7, 2025
