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Five private firms submitted route proposals for a newly proposed Gwadar to Gulf ferry service, during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
The meeting reviewed the ferry plan’s technical and financial aspects. Minister Chaudhry said private sector interest was growing, and the service would boost regional trade and travel connectivity.
The ferry plan was first announced by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on July 1. It is part of efforts to expand Gwadar Port’s operations and boost its regional standing.
Officials said the service aims to offer a direct maritime link to Gulf countries, reducing freight costs and easing travel for expatriates, traders, pilgrims, and the local population.
During the meeting, the minister phoned Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who assured full provincial cooperation. He called the ferry a milestone for connectivity and local development.
The Balochistan government also posted on X that the service could ease pilgrim travel to Oman and create more jobs for youth across Gwadar and nearby areas.
To support long-term growth, CM Bugti confirmed 1.2 million gallons of drinking water will be supplied daily through a new desalination project under Gwadar Port Authority.
Bugti added that the Pak-China Technical Vocational Centre will train youth in new skills, preparing 30,000 young people for overseas jobs through a provincial employment programme.
Chaudhry’s recent visit to Gwadar Port focused on speeding up stalled development. Built over a decade ago, the port has seen little commercial use and was often called a “white elephant”.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also stressed comparing Gwadar’s trade costs with other ports. PM Shehbaz Sharif has ordered full activation of the port within six months.
