Pakistan is exploring new maritime arrangements to transport critical imports under its own national flag after Iran offered safe passage to Pakistani-flagged vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to international reports.
The development follows diplomatic discussions between Islamabad and Tehran, after Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Iran had agreed to allow 20 ships operating under the Pakistani flag to transit the sensitive waterway. The announcement was described as a positive confidence-building measure aimed at supporting regional stability and uninterrupted trade.
However, reports indicate Pakistan currently does not operate enough vessels in the Persian Gulf region to fully utilize the offered quota. As a result, authorities are now evaluating options such as chartering foreign tankers and temporarily re-flagging them as Pakistani ships to ensure secure transportation of essential cargo.
Officials say the arrangement could help safeguard imports of crucial commodities, including crude oil, diesel, jet fuel, and fertilizers, which are vital for Pakistan’s energy supply chain and agricultural sector. No final policy decision has been announced yet, but consultations within the government are ongoing.
Earlier, Ishaq Dar welcomed Iran’s offer in a public statement, calling it a constructive gesture that could promote peace and stability in the region. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain key to reducing tensions and ensuring continued economic cooperation among regional countries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is also strengthening coordination with other energy partners. On March 30, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met Kuwait’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi, to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional energy developments.
During the meeting, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation assured full facilitation for Pakistani-flagged vessels involved in potential diesel and jet fuel shipments from Kuwait. Pakistani officials expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s continued support toward maintaining Pakistan’s energy security amid global market uncertainty.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Any guaranteed access through the passage is viewed as strategically important for Pakistan, particularly at a time of volatile energy markets and regional geopolitical tensions.
Analysts believe Pakistan’s consideration of re-flagging vessels reflects growing efforts to reduce supply risks and maintain stable fuel imports while diplomatic engagement continues across the region.
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