ISLAMABAD / KARACHI, August 7, 2025 — Pakistan and Iraq have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to inaugurate a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port with Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port, marking a landmark step toward enhanced maritime cooperation. The agreement was formalized during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and a delegation led by Iraq’s Deputy Head of Mission, Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri .
Described by Minister Chaudhry as “a new chapter” in Pakistan–Iraq relations, the ferry service aims to strengthen passenger and cargo routes, bolster religious tourism, and support the country’s broader “blue economy” agenda . Especially for Pakistan’s estimated one million pilgrims traveling to visit Najaf and Karbala—particularly for Arbaeen—the new sea corridor provides a vital alternative amid recent restrictions on land travel through Iran .
The meeting also reinforced trade ambitions: Pakistan proposed boosting exports of medicines, meat, rice, and agricultural goods to Iraq, increasing imports of Iraqi oil, and addressing Iraq’s demand for potassium sulphate through facilities in the Gwadar Free Zone .
Trade figures from FY2024 indicate Pakistan’s exports to Iraq totaled about $54.3 million, while imports—mainly petroleum—reached $145.5 million .
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Minister Chaudhry additionally solicited Iraq’s backing for Pakistan’s bid in the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections — a request Minister Alhimiri pledged to support .
This MoU aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to establish regional maritime connectivity, with similar ferry routes also being explored with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council countries