A Karachi-Iraq ferry for pilgrims is under consideration after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to prepare a feasibility study for a possible sea link between Pakistan and Iraq. The proposed service aims to provide Pakistani Zaireen with a more accessible, potentially cheaper way to travel to holy sites such as Najaf and Karbala.
The directive came on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during Naqvi’s visit to the Pakistan Coast Guards headquarters in Karachi. He reviewed operational preparedness, training standards, and anti-smuggling efforts, and called for stronger action against drug trafficking and illegal trade.
The project is still in its early stages. Officials have not announced a launch date or set a timeline for completing the study. The study is expected to assess technical, financial, logistical, security, environmental, and demand-related factors.
Officials are discussing the proposed ferry as a possible alternative for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who travel to Iraq each year, particularly during major religious events such as Arbaeen and Ashura. The service could become viable if 10-20% of travellers choose the sea route instead of flying.
The feasibility report will assess whether enough travellers, particularly budget-conscious groups, are willing to undertake the long sea journey. Officials have not released a formal demand survey. However, estimates of annual Pakistani pilgrim traffic to Iraq range from 40,000 to more than 100,000 travellers, with numbers rising sharply during major religious events.
Karachi Port appears to be the most likely departure point. In Iraq, Umm Qasr Port appears to be the strongest candidate because of its road links to Basra, Najaf, and Karbala. Basra, Al Maqil Port, and Abu Flus Port have also been identified as possible alternatives.
The journey is 2,500 to 3,200 nautical miles, with a one-way travel time of 5 to 8 days, depending on the vessel, weather, and any stops. Although much slower than air travel, the ferry could offer a significantly cheaper option.
Read: Karachi–Chabahar Ferry Service Launched to Boost Blue Economy
Officials must also consider navigation through congested Gulf waters, weather conditions in the Arabian Sea, and broader security risks.
Pakistan previously signed an MoU with Iraq for a ferry service from Gwadar to Umm Qasr, suggesting the Karachi proposal may build on earlier discussions. For now, the government has only ordered a study. The next major development will likely come after officials complete that report.
