On August 4, 2025, Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs issued its first-ever ferry service license to the international operator Seekeepers from Karachi and Gwadar to Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described this development as a historic step, emphasising that it will offer affordable, safe, and comfortable travel for pilgrims and workers, while also boosting Pakistan’s maritime economy.
Chaudhry emphasised the need to digitise the licensing process through the Pakistan Single Window platform, similar to the practices used for ship registration. He ordered that the license issuance period be reduced from six months to just one month, stating, “There’s no justification for a half-year delay. We must eliminate red tape.” To attract private investment, he proposed implementing flexible financial models, such as bank or insurance guarantees, to support ferry operators while promoting entrepreneurship.
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The minister emphasised the potential of the service to accommodate between 700,000 and 1,000,000 Pakistani Zaireen travelling annually to Iran and Iraq. He estimated that within three years, 140,000 to 200,000 passengers could utilise the ferries. This initiative aims to improve regional tourism, trade, and connectivity, thereby fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.
Pakistan’s first ferry service license represents a significant advancement in maritime travel, benefiting both pilgrims and workers while enhancing regional connections. Its emphasis on digital efficiency and affordability sets a benchmark for future projects.
