Pakistan grants first-ever ferry service license for routes to Iran, GCC countries
The approval followed a high-level meeting of the licensing committee, comprising officials from maritime affairs, defense, foreign affairs and interior ministries, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and Ports and Shipping authorities.
The new ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands annually, including workers and tourists bound for GCC states as well as pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, alleviate pressure on land routes and reduce travel costs as compared to air transport for Pakistani diaspora and religious travelers.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry hailed the move as a 'historic step,' aligned with Pakistan's National Maritime Policy, and emphasized the opportunity this license creates for boosting regional connectivity, religious tourism and economic activity via sea routes.
'Initial operations will commence from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe, affordable travel,' Chaudhry was quoted as saying by his ministry.
'Expansion of routes and port calls is planned based on demand and bilateral agreements.'
The maritime affairs ministry did not specify a date for the start of operations.
The development comes amid Pakistan's efforts to capitalize on its geostrategic location to boost trade and investment alongside tourism as it slowly recovers from a macroeconomic crisis under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
The country also plans to cut container dwell time at its seaports by up to 70 percent to improve trade competitiveness and ease congestion, while Islamabad last month reduced port charges for exporters by 50 percent at the second largest Port Qasim.
'This 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 sea transport infrastructure,' Chaudhry added.
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