KARACHI: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved a ferry service to Oman from the southwestern Pakistani port of Gwadar, the country’s maritime affairs minister said on Friday, saying the move is aimed at boosting trade and tourism.
The development comes months after Pakistan granted its first-ever ferry service license to an international operator, Sea Keepers, for routes connecting Pakistan with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Iran.
Officials had hailed the move as a “historic step,” aligned with Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy, and emphasized the opportunity this license creates for boosting regional connectivity, tourism and economic activity via sea.
Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said Islamabad and Oman will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the ferry link and the service will begin soon.
“An Omani delegation will visit Pakistan to finalize arrangements,” he said in a statement shared by his ministry. “New ferry route is expected to increase trade volume and investment. Travel will be easier for Pakistani expatriates.”
