ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:
The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan has formally approved a crucial project to launch a ferry service connecting the strategic port of Gwadar in Balochistan with the Gulf state of Oman. This initiative is being hailed as a major step towards enhancing regional trade, connectivity, and fostering people-to-people links.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, confirmed the development, stating that the Gwadar-Oman ferry service will commence operations soon. He added that Pakistan and Oman will promptly sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the ferry link. To finalize the operational and logistical arrangements, an Omani delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan shortly.
The approval of this new maritime route is expected to have far-reaching economic and social benefits. The government anticipates that the service will lead to a significant increase in the volume of trade and investment between Pakistan and Oman. Moreover, the route is projected to make travel easier and more affordable for Pakistani expatriates residing in the Gulf region. Crucially, the ferry service is set to play a pivotal role in providing regional countries with enhanced commercial access, particularly to the lucrative markets of Central Asia.
This project reflects Pakistan’s concerted effort to solidify the strategic importance of the Gwadar Port, establishing it as a central hub for regional and international connectivity.
