Summary:
In a major move toward regional connectivity, Pakistan has issued its first international passenger ferry license. The service will connect Pakistani ports with Iran and the GCC region, enhancing religious tourism and boosting the maritime economy.
Full Article:
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – For the first time in its maritime history, Pakistan has issued a license for international passenger ferry services. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced that Sea Keepers, a private operator, has received authorization to begin ferry routes linking Pakistan with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy and the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to improve regional integration.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, called it a historic moment, emphasizing its significance for religious tourism, economic cooperation, and cross-border movement. The ferry routes are expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, expats, and tourists annually.
Service Launch from Gwadar and Karachi
Initial routes will operate from Karachi and Gwadar ports using modern ferry vessels equipped with full safety and comfort features. These ferries will provide a low-cost alternative to air and land travel, especially appealing to the Pakistani diaspora and religious pilgrims.
According to estimates, if only 20% of the one million annual pilgrims use the service, more than 200,000 passengers could be accommodated via sea.
Streamlined Licensing
To encourage quick rollout, the licensing process has been reduced from six months to one, and the ministry is removing bureaucratic hurdles to attract more ferry operators.
Why Now?
The timing coincides with the upcoming Chehlum of Imam Hussain, when thousands of Pakistanis travel to Karbala, Iraq. Due to security restrictions on land travel through Balochistan, maritime travel is being positioned as a safer, viable alternative. Negotiations to lift the land travel ban remain unresolved, prompting nationwide protests by religious groups.
The ferry project is also part of Pakistan’s broader blue economy strategy, aiming to expand maritime trade and tourism.