Islamabad: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has granted its first-ever ferry service license to Sea Keepers, an international ferry operator, allowing the company to establish routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This development marks a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and economic activity through maritime routes.

According to Radio Pakistan, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, praised the approval as a historic move in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision and Pakistan's National Maritime Policy. The minister emphasized that this initiative is crucial for fostering regional connectivity, religious tourism, and economic growth via sea routes.

Chaudhry highlighted that the ferry service launch is a component of Pakistan's broader strategy to advance its blue economy. The initiative aims to improve trade logistics and promote maritime tourism, reflecting a renewed commitment to sustainable regional sea transport infrastructure.

The new ferry service is anticipated to accommodate hundreds of thousands of passengers annually. It is expected to serve pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, as well as workers and tourists heading to GCC states, thereby playing a pivotal role in regional maritime connectivity.