Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, held a telephone conversation with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti to discuss the strategic potential of launching a ferry service from Gwadar to Gulf countries.
The call took place during a high-level review meeting chaired by the minister to evaluate progress on the proposed ferry initiative. During the discussion, the Balochistan Chief Minister assured full cooperation from the provincial government, highlighting the socio-economic advantages such a service would bring to the region and the country as a whole.
The meeting also examined proposals submitted by five private ferry operators, focusing on the technical, operational, and financial aspects of establishing new maritime routes from Gwadar.
The proposed ferry routes are designed to link Gwadar Port with key destinations across the Gulf, offering a cost-efficient and reliable solution for both passenger travel and cargo transport.
Minister Chaudhry underscored the strategic importance of the project, stating that it would not only reduce transport costs but also boost regional trade and maritime connectivity. He emphasized that the ferry service could significantly enhance Pakistan’s role in international maritime commerce by positioning Gwadar as a central hub within global shipping routes.
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“The ferry service will ease travel between Pakistan and Gulf nations,” he said. “It will strengthen Gwadar’s status as a regional connector and drive long-term economic growth.”
The session concluded with instructions to continue detailed assessments of the proposals, ensuring that all regulatory, technical, and logistical conditions are fulfilled ahead of the service’s eventual launch.