KARACHI: The federal cabinet has approved a passenger and cargo ferry service between Gwadar, Pakistan, and Oman, announced Federal Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. Both countries will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the service. An Omani delegation is expected to visit Pakistan to finalize arrangements.
The initiative follows a high-level meeting in July 2025 between Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi. Both sides discussed enhancing economic and maritime cooperation, aiming to strengthen trade links and connectivity. Pakistan is projected to earn $10–15 billion annually from maritime operations linked to the proposed ferry service.
Gwadar’s annual export revenue is expected to exceed $850 million, driven by $645 million from fisheries and $200–205 million from the date sector. The new ferry route will provide Oman with faster access to Central Asian markets, while boosting bilateral trade and regional economic ties. Exports to Oman reached $224 million in 2024, and officials expect the ferry service to increase this figure significantly.
Pakistan has issued its first-ever international ferry license, paving the way for private operators to run passenger ferries to Gulf countries, including Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Iran. The licensing framework aims to provide regulatory clarity, attract private investment, and improve regional maritime trade and connectivity.
The minister highlighted the role of the Pakistani diaspora in Oman, estimated at 250,000–320,000 people, potentially reaching 360,000 including all categories of workers. The ferry link will ease travel, strengthen personal and business connections, and support bilateral economic collaboration between the two countries.
