Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday inaugurated a new ferry terminal at the Karachi Port Trust. He called it a major milestone for coastal tourism and Pakistan’s blue economy.
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the terminal marked the realisation of a long-standing vision to introduce modern, safe, and sustainable maritime passenger transport in the country. He announced the soft launch of Pakistan’s first-ever ferry service. This service connects Karachi with Chabahar Port in Iran.
Officials said the ferry service will begin in the third week of January. The inaugural ferry will depart from Karachi with a capacity of up to 240 passengers. The sea journey is expected to take between 12 and 14 hours.
The service will operate three round-trip each week. Authorities have set the round-trip fare at Rs50,000 per passenger. This positions the route as a new option for regional travel and tourism.
کراچی بندرگاہ کے ایسٹ ہارف پر جدید فیری ٹرمینل کا افتتاح کر دیا گیا ہے، جہاں سے 20 جنوری کو ایرانی بندرگاہ چاہ بہار کے لیے پہلی فیری روانہ ہوگی۔افتتاحی تقریب سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے وفاقی وزیر میری ٹائم جنید انوار چوہدری نے کہا کہ فیری ٹرمینل اور نئی سروس پاکستان کے میری ٹائم سیکٹر کے… pic.twitter.com/fzTV5vDeDs
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) January 8, 2026Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s broader strategy. This strategy aims to unlock the blue economy’s potential and diversify maritime activities. He described the ferry service as more than a transport link.
“This is a gateway to economic opportunities, tourism growth, and stronger regional connectivity,” he said. He added that this was the first ferry service licence ever issued in Pakistan’s history.
The minister noted that the new terminal would help build confidence among investors and the business community. He said it reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for private-sector participation in maritime projects.
He added that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, along with its attached departments and port authorities, continues to push policy reforms. These efforts include infrastructure upgrades and public-private partnerships to strengthen the blue economy.
Highlighting growing investor interest, the minister revealed that several business groups have already expressed interest in securing ferry service licences. He expressed confidence that private-sector involvement would expand maritime tourism and create jobs across transport, hospitality, and related industries.
He also announced that the Port Qasim Authority will soon present plans for a modern industrial zone. The proposed development aims to offer advanced infrastructure to investors and support export-led growth through port-centric industrialisation.
Senior officials from the maritime ministry, KPT management, and representatives from the shipping and business sectors attended the event. Participants welcomed the initiative as a significant step toward revitalising Pakistan’s maritime sector. This aims to harness the untapped potential of its coastline and marine resources.
