The Federal cabinet has approved the launch of a new ferry service connecting Gwadar in Balochistan with Oman, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed on Friday. The move marks an important step in Pakistan’s efforts to expand regional connectivity through maritime routes.
This development comes shortly after Pakistan granted its first international ferry service license to Sea Keepers. The license allows operations between Pakistan, Iran, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The decision by the Federal cabinet aims to support trade, tourism, and travel opportunities across the region.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, stated that Pakistan and Oman will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the ferry link formally. He said the Gwadar–Oman ferry service is expected to become operational soon.
Chaudhry added that an Omani delegation will visit Pakistan to finalize operational and technical details. According to him, the new route will increase trade volumes, attract investment, and make travel easier for thousands of Pakistani expatriates living in Oman.
He also highlighted that the ferry link will help promote tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries. The minister noted that improved maritime connections will give regional partners better access to Central Asian markets.
Chaudhry stressed that creating new sea routes will help transform Gwadar into a major economic hub. The approval from the Federal cabinet is seen as a significant step toward this long-term vision.
In a recent development, Pakistan and Iraq also agreed to explore new maritime routes. Both countries signed an MoU to launch a ferry service between Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Minister Chaudhry and a delegation from the Iraqi Embassy led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdul Qadir Sulyman Alhimiri.
Chaudhry welcomed the initiative, calling it “a new chapter” in bilateral relations. He noted that Pakistan can help meet Iraq’s growing demand for potassium sulphate, with a manufacturing plant already operating in the Gwadar Free Zone.
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