In a historic development, Pakistan has officially launched its first ferry service, marking a major milestone in strengthening maritime trade and boosting the blue economy.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Karachi, where Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, officially opened the new ferry terminal, calling it a proud achievement for the country.
Minister’s Statement
Speaking at the event, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry revealed that when he assumed office seven months ago, Pakistan’s ports sector faced multiple challenges. He said:
“The Prime Minister assigned me the responsibility to improve our ports and strengthen the maritime sector. The ferry service has always been on my mind.”
He further highlighted that previous ferry projects were delayed for years, with licenses remaining unissued. Remarkably, his team managed to issue Pakistan’s first ferry license in just seven days, restoring confidence among traders and investors.
Future Plans
The federal minister announced that the ferry service network will soon expand, with three to four additional operators expected to join. This move is aimed at enhancing connectivity along Pakistan’s coastline and providing new opportunities for trade and commerce.
The launch of the first ferry service marks a significant step in modernizing Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and promoting blue economy initiatives.
