ISLAMABAD, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has approved its first international ferry license, allowing passenger services between the country, Iran, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said Monday.
The license was issued to Sea Keepers, a private maritime transport firm, following a high-level meeting of the Licensing Committee comprising officials from key ministries and port authorities.
Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the move aligned with Pakistan's National Maritime Policy and aimed to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic and religious travel.
He said the ferry service would particularly benefit religious pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, as well as laborers and tourists bound for GCC countries, offering a low-cost alternative to air and land routes.
"Initial operations will begin from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, utilizing modern ferry vessels equipped with essential facilities to ensure safe and affordable transport," said the minister, adding that additional destinations and routes would be considered in line with demand and future bilateral agreements. ■
