Islamabad: The federal cabinet has approved the launch of a passenger and cargo ferry service between Gwadar and Oman, announced Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Friday. A Memorandum of Understanding will soon be signed, with an Omani delegation visiting Pakistan to finalize details. The initiative stems from a July 2025 meeting between Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi, focusing on enhanced economic ties.
Chaudhry projected Pakistan could earn $10–15 billion annually from related maritime operations. Gwadar’s exports are expected to surpass $850 million yearly, driven by $645 million in value-added fisheries and $200–205 million from dates. Oman gains efficient access to Central Asia. In 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Oman hit $224 million, poised for growth via upgraded ports and cooperation.
Pakistan issued its first international ferry license, enabling operations with GCC nations including Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Iran. This framework encourages private investment. With 250,000–320,000 Pakistanis in Oman (up to 360,000 including workers), the service will ease travel and business links.