Cabinet approves Pakistan–Oman ferry service for passenger and cargo operations

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Friday that the federal cabinet has approved the launch of a new passenger and cargo ferry service between Pakistan and Oman. The decision marks a significant step toward enhancing bilateral maritime connectivity and expanding regional trade routes.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, Pakistan and Oman will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the ferry link. An Omani delegation is expected to visit Pakistan shortly to finalise operational arrangements.

The initiative builds on a high-level meeting held in July 2025 between Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi in Islamabad, where both sides discussed avenues for expanding maritime and economic cooperation. At the time, Chaudhry had projected that Pakistan could earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through maritime operations associated with the proposed Gwadar–Oman ferry route.

Providing updated estimates on Friday, the minister said Gwadar’s annual export revenue is forecast to exceed $850 million, driven mainly by value-added fisheries contributing around $645 million and the date sector generating $200–205 million. He added that Oman and regional partners would benefit from a more efficient route to access Central Asian markets.

Pakistan’s exports to Oman amounted to $224 million in 2024, and the minister noted that the introduction of the ferry service—combined with improved port infrastructure and deeper bilateral cooperation—could significantly increase this figure.

The government has already issued the country’s first international ferry service licence, enabling licensed passenger ferry operations between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran. The licensing framework aims to provide regulatory clarity and encourage private-sector participation in maritime transport.

Chaudhry also underscored the importance of the Pakistani diaspora in Oman, estimating that between 250,000 and 320,000 Pakistanis were residing there by the end of 2024, with the number reaching up to 360,000 depending on classification.

He said the new ferry link would help facilitate travel for these communities, improving personal mobility and strengthening business ties between Pakistan and Oman.