ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development aimed at strengthening economic andcultural bonds with the Gulf region, Pakistan has officially launched itsinaugural international ferry service, connecting the ports of Karachi andGwadar to key destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Thisinitiative, spearheaded by the federal government under Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif, marks a pivotal step in enhancing maritime connectivity andfacilitating easier travel and trade for citizens and businesses alike. Theservice is expected to commence operations by early 2026, with initialroutes linking Pakistan to nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman,Bahrain, and Iran, thereby opening new avenues for regional cooperation.
The announcement comes amid growing efforts to diversify Pakistan’stransportation infrastructure and reduce reliance on air travel, which hasbeen strained by recent global challenges. Officials from the Ministry ofMaritime Affairs highlighted that the ferry service will not only providean affordable alternative for passengers but also support the movement ofgoods, contributing to the growth of bilateral trade. Modern vesselsequipped with essential amenities, including comfortable cabins, diningfacilities, and safety features compliant with international standards,will be deployed for these routes. This move is particularly significantfor the thousands of Pakistani expatriates working in the Gulf, offeringthem a more convenient and cost-effective means of visiting home.
The project has been in the pipeline for several months, with approvalsgranted by the federal cabinet in August 2025 for the issuance of thefirst-ever ferry licenses. Initial operations will focus on routes fromGwadar to Muscat in Oman and from Karachi to Dubai in the UAE, with plansto expand to other ports based on demand and feasibility studies. Expertsbelieve this service will boost tourism, as travelers can now explorescenic sea voyages while fostering people-to-people contacts. Furthermore,it aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision under the China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor, where Gwadar Port serves as a strategic hub for regional trade.
Challenges such as ensuring maritime security and navigating geopoliticaltensions in the region have been addressed through bilateral agreementswith Gulf states. The government has assured that all necessary protocols,including visa facilitation and customs procedures, will be streamlined tomake the service user-friendly. Environmental considerations have also beenfactored in, with the vessels designed to minimize carbon emissions in linewith global sustainability goals.
This ferry initiative is poised to generate employment opportunities in themaritime sector, from ship crew to port management, thereby stimulatinglocal economies in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. As Pakistan continuesto integrate into the global economy, such projects underscore itscommitment to peaceful and prosperous regional partnerships. With the Gulfstates being major trading partners, accounting for a significant portionof Pakistan’s remittances and exports, the ferry service is expected tofurther solidify these ties, potentially increasing trade volumes by up to15 percent in the coming years, according to economic analysts.
In conclusion, the launch of this ferry service represents aforward-looking approach to connectivity, promising mutual benefits forPakistan and its Gulf neighbors in an era of evolving internationalrelations.
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Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1928701
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2606493/pakistanTags: Pakistan, Gwadar, Karachi, GCC
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