Pak-Iran ferry service launched with Rs50000 ticket

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry inaugurated a ferry terminal at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), describing the initiative as a landmark step to boost regional and coastal tourism and strengthen Pakistan’s blue economy.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched Pakistan’s first-ever ferry service connecting Karachi to Iran’s Chabahar Port, marking a historic step in modernizing the country’s maritime transport. The soft launch was announced during an inauguration ceremony attended by senior officials, business representatives, and KPT management.

The first ferry is scheduled to depart in the third week of January, carrying up to 240 passengers on a journey of 12 to 14 hours. The service will operate three round trips per week, with the round-trip fare set at Rs50,000 per passenger. Officials described the initiative as a milestone in promoting safe, sustainable, and modern maritime passenger transport.

The minister highlighted that the ferry service aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of expanding the blue economy, boosting regional connectivity, and creating economic opportunities. He emphasized that the service would not only facilitate travel but also stimulate tourism, employment, hospitality, transport, and allied industries.

The ceremony also unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art industrial zone at Port Qasim, aimed at providing modern infrastructure for investors and promoting port-led industrial development. The minister urged the private sector to participate actively, offering innovative ideas and investments, assuring full facilitation from the ministry.