The Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Monday approved its first-ever ferry license service to international ferry operator SeaKeepers, authorizing the company to operate routes that will connect Pakistan with Iran and Gulf countries. The approval followed a high-level meeting of the licensing committee.
The committee comprised officials from Maritime Affairs, Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior Ministries, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Port and Shipping Authorities. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mohammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, described the move as a historic step aligned with Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and Pakistan’s national maritime policy.
He emphasized that the opportunity creates the chances of boosting regional connectivity, religious tourism, and economic activities via sea routes. The new ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands annually, particularly pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq alongside workers and tourists bound for GCC states.
“Initial operations will commence from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe, affordable travel. Expansion of routes and port calls is planned based on demand and bilateral agreements”, he added.
The minister noted that the ferry service will alleviate pressure on land routes and reduce travel costs compared to air transport for the Pakistani diaspora and religious travelers. The 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 free transport infrastructure, the minister stated.
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“We are creating not just a travel route, but a vital economic corridor by sea. This can position Gwadar as a central maritime hub and help reduce transport costs for both passengers and cargo,” said Chaudhry.
The initiative ends years of delay with ferry applications pending since 2017-18. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Mohammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who led the fast-track approval, said the service marks a new history of maritime connectivity for the region.
This ferry service will provide a safe, affordable and comfortable travel option for pilgrims and overseas workers, while also boosting trade, tourism, and our blue economy, the minister said. The approval comes as the government faces growing pressure from around 1 million Pakistani pilgrims who travel annually to Iraq or Urbain.
With Iran suddenly closing its border to land travel, many were left without viable alternatives. The new ferry route aims to fill that gap, offering direct sea travel from Pakistan to Iran, with further expansion planned to other Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman. The minister confirmed that the ferry terminals have already been set up with Karachi Port Trust, preparing to hand over facilities to immigration and customs authorities for processing. The ferry service is part of a broader strategy to enhance Pakistan’s maritime presence, strengthen regional trade, and promote maritime tourism.