ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan is going to begin long-awaited international ferry services to Dubai, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman and other Gulf countries by early 2026.
This will mark a major breakthrough for sea travel from the country. According to Maritime officials, groundwork for the Karachi–Gwadar–Chabahar routes, with foreign shipping companies already granted operational licences, is nearly complete.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that multiple foreign companies have been issued licences to operate ferry services to all designated countries.
He said one foreign operator is keen to start the Chabahar ferry service in the first phase, connecting Pakistan with the Iranian port just across the Arabian Sea.
The minister said Pakistan has also approved charter arrangements with Tijar Bahria and AP Alliance, companies backed by Dubai-based firms.
Ferry to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman
According to the minister, ferry services to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman and other Gulf countries will begin “in the next few months,” marking a major expansion of Pakistan’s maritime connectivity.
He said preparations are underway at Karachi Port, Gwadar and the planned Chabahar terminal to support large-scale passenger operations.
