Pakistan to Launch Ferry Services to Gulf Countries – A New Travel Option for Expats and Pilgrims

The Government of Pakistan has approved a new initiative to connect the country with Gulf states through international ferry services. For the first time, Pakistani citizens will soon be able to travel by sea from Karachi and Gwadar ports to destinations such as Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries.

This is designed to provide a cheaper and more convenient alternative to air travel, especially for expatriate workers, religious pilgrims, and tourists.

Key Features of the New Policy

• The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has granted Pakistan’s first international ferry license to the company Sea Keepers.
• In its initial phase, ferry operations will begin from Karachi and Gwadar, later extending to Iran and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
• Ferry terminals in Pakistan are being upgraded with immigration, customs, and security facilities to ensure smooth international travel.
• Services will cater to expatriates working in the Gulf, religious pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah, and budget travelers .

Ferry Link with Oman

In all the Gulf states, Oman is expected to be the first destination from Gwadar through a direct boat route. The two governments are actively working to finalize this service, which is estimated to generate $ 10-15 billion annually in trade, transit, and tourism revenue .

Benefits of Ferry Travel

1. Affordable Transport – Costs are expected to be significantly lower than flight tickets, though official fares are yet to be announced.
2. Convenience for Pilgrims – The service will be particularly helpful for pilgrims traveling for Umrah and Ziyarat.
3. Boost to Trade & Tourism – Easier movement of people and goods will strengthen Pakistan’s economic ties with the Gulf.
4. Relief for Expats – Millions of Pakistani workers in the Gulf region will gain another option besides expensive air travel.

Current Status

• Proposals from five private operators are under review to start ferry links between Gwadar and various Gulf states.
• The first license has already been granted, and work on infrastructure is in progress.
• Rumors about ticket prices ranging from PKR 25,000–35,000 are circulating online, but the government has clarified that fares are not yet finalized.

Conclusion

The launch of Pakistan-to-Ghef Ferry services is a historic step in travel and trade policy to the country. Starting from Karachi and Gwadar, the routes will soon expand to Oman and other GCC countries. Once it is completely functional, this service will not only make the journey more cheaply for workers and pilgrims, but will also open new doors for tourism and business between Pakistan and Gulf region .