Federal Cabinet Approves Gwadar-Oman Ferry Service

The federal cabinet has approved the launch of a ferry service linking Gwadar in Balochistan with Oman, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced on Friday.

The approval comes after Pakistan recently granted its first-ever international ferry service license to Sea Keepers, permitting operations on routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, stated that Pakistan and Oman will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formally establish the ferry link.

He added that the Gwadar–Oman service is expected to become operational in the near future.

Chaudhry mentioned that an Omani delegation will visit Pakistan to finalize operational and technical arrangements for the route.

He noted that the ferry service is expected to boost bilateral trade, attract investment, and make travel easier for Pakistani expatriates residing in Oman.

The minister further highlighted that the new maritime connection will promote tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations.

It will also enhance regional connectivity, providing neighboring countries with better access to Central Asian markets.

Chaudhry emphasized that developing new sea routes will help transform Gwadar into a major hub of economic activity.

Earlier, Pakistan and Iraq agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation and explore new sea routes by signing an MoU to launch a ferry service between Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port and Gwadar Port in Pakistan.

The agreement was finalized during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and a three-member delegation from the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad, led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdul Qadir Sulyman Alhimiri.

Welcoming the initiative, Minister Chaudhry described it as “a new chapter” in bilateral relations, highlighting the potential of maritime passenger and cargo links to deepen economic cooperation and facilitate religious travel between the two countries.

The minister noted that Pakistan can help meet Iraq’s demand for potassium sulphate, with a manufacturing facility already operational in the Gwadar Free Zone.

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