Key Points
- The ferry service aims to boost passenger travel and cargo transport.
- It will position Gwadar as a key maritime hub.
- The initiative is a strategic step towards regional integration.
ISLAMABAD: In a strategic push to elevate Pakistan’s maritime footprint and unlock new corridors of regional connectivity, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Friday reviewed five private-sector proposals for launching a ferry service between Gwadar Port and major Gulf destinations.
The initiative, seen as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and cross-border mobility, could mark a turning point in positioning Gwadar as a vital hub in the region’s economic landscape.
Chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the high-level meeting assessed detailed technical, financial, and operational blueprints submitted by companies interested in operating the proposed ferry routes. The envisioned service would not only provide affordable sea travel options for passengers but also open fresh avenues for cargo transport between Pakistan and the Gulf.
“The Gwadar-Gulf ferry service is not just a transport solution — it’s a gateway to economic transformation,” Chaudhry asserted. “It will reduce logistical costs, stimulate maritime activity, and establish Gwadar as a pivotal maritime hub, connecting South Asia with the Middle East.”
He highlighted the service’s potential to energise trade corridors, support regional integration, and provide economic opportunities—particularly for the people of Balochistan. The minister directed authorities to carry out comprehensive evaluations of all proposals, ensuring full regulatory and logistical preparedness ahead of the potential launch.
In a parallel move to align federal and provincial efforts, the federal minister held a call with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who expressed strong backing for the ferry initiative. The chief minister joined the meeting via video link, reaffirming the province’s commitment to the project and highlighting its expected benefits for pilgrims, travellers, and local communities.
گوادر کی ترقی بلوچستان کی ترقی ہے، وزیر اعلیٰ بلوچستان میر سرفراز بگٹی۔
وزیر اعلیٰ بلوچستان میر سرفراز بگٹی کا وفاقی وزارت "میری ٹائم افیئرز" کے اجلاس میں ویڈیو لنک کے ذریعے شرکت کی اجلاس میں گوادر کی ترقی، عوامی سہولیات، اور نوجوانوں کے لیے روزگار کے مواقع بڑھانے سے متعلق اہم…
— Govt. of Balochistan (@dpr_gob) July 18, 2025
“This ferry service to Oman will ease the journey for pilgrims, enhance mobility for locals, and serve as a milestone for regional connectivity,” Bugti stated. He emphasised that the Balochistan government was prioritising Gwadar’s development and youth empowerment through initiatives like the Pak‑China Technical and Vocational Centre, which aims to train 30,000 youth for global employment.
The meeting also highlighted broader plans to turn Gwadar into a vibrant coastal economy — one where trade, tourism, employment, and international maritime traffic converge.
As formal evaluations continue, the Gwadar-Gulf ferry service remains more than just a transport proposal. It is a vision — one that signals a turning tide in favour of regional cooperation, economic uplift, and Pakistan’s rising maritime stature.
