Pakistan Federal Cabinet Approves New Gwadar–Oman Ferry Service to Boost Regional Travel & Tourism

Pakistan Federal Cabinet Approves New Gwadar–Oman Ferry Service to Boost Regional Travel & Tourism

04-Feb-2026

In a significant development for travel and tourism in 2026, the federal cabinet of Pakistan has formally approved a new **international ferry service connecting Gwadar Port (Balochistan) with the Sultanate of Oman. This decision marks a major milestone in expanding cross-border maritime travel options for passengers and tourists traveling between Pakistan and the Gulf region.

📍 What This Means for Travelers

The approved ferry service part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance maritime connectivity in the Arabian Sea will provide an alternative to air and land travel for expatriates, tourists, and business travelers journeying between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Officials expect the service to boost regional exchange, affordable travel, and cultural links, especially for Pakistanis living or working in Oman and neighboring Gulf states.

🚢 Cabinet Approval & Next Steps

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry confirmed that the service will soon be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Oman with the Omani delegation set to visit Pakistan to finalize operational, safety, and technical arrangements.

This initiative follows the earlier issuance of Pakistan’s first-ever international ferry service license to a private operator, authorizing maritime routes to Iran and GCC nations. Plans are also underway to expand these routes further based on demand and bilateral cooperation.

📈 Why This Matters for 2026 Travel

  1. Expanded Connectivity: Opens new travel corridors for Pakistan–Gulf travel beyond flights and existing transport links.
  2. Tourism Growth: Enables leisure and cultural tourism between Gulf countries and Pakistan.
  3. Affordable Travel Alternative: Maritime routes could reduce travel costs for long-distance Gulf destinations compared to air travel.
  4. Economic Impact: Enhanced sea links are expected to support trade, investment, and expatriate mobility.

Travelers interested in this service should stay updated on the official ferry launch schedule and ticketing announcements from GoPakistan.no and relevant port authorities.

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