In a landmark move set to reshape regional travel, Pakistan has officially greenlit its first international ferry service, opening direct sea routes to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Sea Routes Open for Pilgrims, Workers, and Tourists
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced on Monday that Sea Keepers, an international ferry operator, has been granted a license to run passenger services from Pakistan to neighboring countries by sea. The service is poised to offer a more affordable and accessible alternative for the large number of Pakistani religious pilgrims, overseas workers, and tourists who travel to the Middle East each year.
This marks the first time Pakistan has authorized an international ferry operator, signaling a significant shift in its maritime transport strategy.
High-Level Approval Reflects Strategic Importance
The decision followed a key meeting of the Licensing Committee — a body that includes officials from several ministries, including Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and the Port & Shipping authorities.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, described the move as a “historic breakthrough,” aligning with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy.
Why It Matters: Lower Costs, More Access
The ferry routes are expected to ease travel for hundreds of thousands, particularly pilgrims heading to religious sites in Iran and Iraq, who currently rely heavily on expensive airfares or congested land routes.
“This will reduce the burden on road infrastructure and offer a significantly cheaper alternative to flying,” said the minister. “It’s a game-changer for the diaspora and those undertaking religious journeys.”
Operations to Begin from Karachi and Gwadar
Initial departures are planned from Pakistan’s key ports—Karachi and Gwadar—using modern ferries outfitted with basic onboard facilities to ensure safe and comfortable journeys. Depending on demand and agreements with regional governments, routes and port stops are expected to expand over time.
Part of a Bigger Maritime Strategy
The launch isn’t just about convenience—it’s part of a broader push to tap into Pakistan’s untapped blue economy. The ferry initiative feeds into the country’s long-term goals of improving maritime connectivity, enhancing trade logistics, and promoting sea-based tourism across the region.
By offering an alternative to air and land travel, the move also highlights Pakistan’s renewed focus on developing sustainable transport infrastructure that strengthens ties with its neighbors.