Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday inaugurated a newly constructed ferry terminal at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), describing the project as a significant milestone in advancing regional and coastal tourism and reinforcing Pakistan’s blue economy.
#BREAKING Pakistan inaugurates its first ferry terminal at Karachi Port, with ferry services to Chabahar Port launching 20 January. pic.twitter.com/LQNA8k2jSr
— Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (@MansurQr) January 8, 2026
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the minister said the launch of ferry services marked the realisation of his long-standing goal to introduce modern, safe and environmentally sustainable maritime passenger transport in the country. He announced the soft launch of Pakistan’s first-ever ferry service linking Karachi with Iran’s Chabahar Port.
Officials said the service is expected to begin in the third week of January, with the inaugural ferry departing from Karachi and carrying up to 240 passengers. The journey is estimated to take between 12 and 14 hours. The service will operate three round trips per week, with the fare fixed at Rs50,000 per passenger for a round trip.
Chaudhry said the initiative was in line with the prime minister’s vision of tapping into the country’s vast blue economy potential and diversifying maritime-based economic activities. “This ferry service is not merely a transport project; it is a gateway to new economic opportunities, tourism growth and enhanced regional connectivity,” he said.
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Calling it a historic achievement, the minister noted that this was the first ferry service licence ever issued in Pakistan’s history. He added that the establishment of the ferry terminal would help build confidence among the business community and underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for private investment.
He said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and its affiliated organisations, particularly port authorities, were actively pursuing policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades and public-private partnerships to expand the maritime sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Highlighting growing investor interest, Chaudhry revealed that several businessmen had already shown interest in securing licences to operate ferry services. He expressed optimism that greater private sector involvement would boost maritime tourism and generate employment across hospitality, transport and related industries.
The minister urged investors to bring forward innovative business proposals involving Pakistani ports, assuring full support and facilitation from the ministry. He also announced that the Port Qasim Authority would soon introduce plans for a modern industrial zone aimed at providing world-class infrastructure to investors, boosting exports and supporting port-led economic development.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, KPT management, and members of the shipping and business communities, who welcomed the initiative as a major step towards revitalising Pakistan’s maritime sector and unlocking the country’s coastal and marine potential.
