Islamabad, Aug 2, 2025: Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has stressed the urgent need to initiate Pakistan first ferry service, pressing for quick changes in licensing policies and financial ease for private investors.
The goal, he said is to make sea travel more economical, support pilgrims and strengthen regional maritime links.
These directives came during a comprehensive briefing on Friday by Alia Shahid, Director General of Shipping and Ports, held at the minister’s office in the federal capital.
To cut down procedural hurdles, the minister directed that the entire ferry licensing procedure be shifted to a digital format and linked with the Pakistan Single Window platform, just like the system for ship registration. He demanded that the current six-month waiting period for licenses be slashed to just one month.
READ MORE: Pakistan Unveils Plan to Launch Ferry Service from Gwadar to Gulf Countries
“There’s no justification for a half-year delay,” Chaudhry said firmly. “We must eliminate red tape and act decisively.”
To encourage business involvement, the minister suggested examining various financial models that would ease entry for ferry service providers. He further underlined the potential of ferry routes in providingaffordable and reliable travel solution for Zaireen (pilgrims) headed to Iran and Iraq.
Discussions are ongoing with private operators and regional maritime agencies while feasibility evaluations and policy guidelines are nearing completion. A pilot launch is being planned in the near future.
