Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday inaugurated a ferry terminal at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), marking a historic milestone as Pakistan launched its first-ever private sector ferry service aimed at boosting regional connectivity and coastal religious tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony held at KPT Ferry Terminal, the minister described the initiative as a landmark achievement that would strengthen Pakistan’s blue economy and open new avenues for maritime passenger transport in the country.
“This ferry service is not just a transport initiative but a gateway to economic opportunities, tourism promotion and regional connectivity,” Chaudhry said, adding that this was the first ferry service license issued in Pakistan’s history.
The minister said the service, expected to commence in the third week of January, would materialize his long-standing vision of introducing modern, safe and sustainable maritime passenger transport.
The first ferry is scheduled to sail from Karachi to Chabahar, Iran, with all necessary facilities including customs, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and immigration services now operational at Karachi Port.
Chaudhry Junaid said that the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to harness the vast potential of the blue economy and diversify maritime-related economic activities.
He expressed confidence that the ferry terminal’s inauguration would strengthen trust among the business community and demonstrate the government’s commitment to creating a facilitative environment for private sector investment.
The minister revealed that three to four additional investors have expressed keen interest in obtaining licenses to operate ferry services, signaling growing private sector participation in the maritime tourism sector. He said this would create employment opportunities in hospitality, transport and allied industries.
Chaudhry urged the business community to come forward with innovative proposals for doing business with Pakistani ports, assuring full cooperation from the ministry. “We welcome new concepts and investments, and the ministry will extend full facilitation to ensure their success,” he said.
The minister also announced that Port Qasim Authority would soon unveil plans for a state-of-the-art industrial zone to provide modern infrastructure to investors, playing a vital role in boosting industrial activity, exports and economic growth.
According to Muhammad Umar, CEO of Sea Keepers — the company operating the service — ferry fares would be 50 percent cheaper than air travel. The service will operate three round trips per week at a cost of Rs50,000, with journeys to Chabahar taking 12 to 14 hours.
“Three ferry passengers load have already been fully booked even before the service officially begins,” Umar announced, adding that the company plans to launch two larger ferries for routes to Muscat and Basra in coming month.
In his welcome address, chairman KPT Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmad said that KPT has successfully handled over 50 million tons cargoes and around 2.6million containers during outgoing year.
He said that new machines are being installed and working on adopting new technology and digitalization.
Furthermore, he said that around 1500 kanals have been recovered with the assistance id law enforcement agencies, adding that ports are being linked to the Sharae Bhutto and Lyari.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, KPT management, customs, and representatives from the shipping and business community
