Religious tourism: Pakistan-Iraq ferry service announced

Dubai: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to launch a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Umm Qasr Port in Iraq, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral maritime cooperation.

The initiative comes following an earlier announcement on Tuesday of Pakistan’s maritime routes to Iran and Gulf countries.

This agreement was signed during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and an Iraqi Embassy delegation led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Minister Chaudhry described the initiative as “a new chapter” in Pakistan-Iraq relations, emphasizing the ferry service’s potential to boost trade, religious tourism, and regional integration.

The move comes amid growing cross-border religious travel. Last year, over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims visited Iraq for the Ashura observance, a figure both countries see as a strong foundation for establishing regular sea links that will serve pilgrims and traders alike.

“This ferry connection can leverage our shared cultural and religious bonds while unlocking new business opportunities,” said Chaudhry, highlighting its alignment with Pakistan’s blue economy strategy.

The agreement complements Pakistan’s recent approval of international ferry services to Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain. The UK-based operator Sea Keeper has been licensed to run these services from Karachi and Gwadar, providing affordable, efficient, and safe alternatives to air and road travel.

Together, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a regional maritime network that will enhance trade, tourism, and logistics connectivity between Pakistan and Middle Eastern markets.

In addition to facilitating passenger travel, the ferry service aims to boost economic ties. Minister Chaudhry noted Pakistan’s ability to supply Potassium Sulphate to Iraq, with production facilities located in the Gwadar Free Zone. He also proposed expanding exports of medicines, halal meat, and rice, alongside increasing Iraqi oil imports into Pakistan.

The minister sought Iraq’s support for Pakistan’s participation in upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections, a request that received full backing from the Iraqi delegation.

Currently, Pakistan’s exports to Iraq stand at $54.29 million, while imports, mainly petroleum products, total $145.46 million. Both countries view the ferry service as a catalyst to significantly increase these figures.

Technical teams from both countries will conduct feasibility studies and work out operational details. The ferry service is expected to launch later this year, opening a vital maritime corridor that will reduce transportation costs, improve logistics, and expand regional trade.

“This initiative connects people, markets, and faiths building a regional future through the sea,” said Minister Chaudhry.