Pakistan Grants Permit for Maritime Travel to Iran
WANA (Aug 04) – Pakistan has issued its first official passenger shipping license, paving the way for a new maritime route that will facilitate pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq while reducing costs and easing pressure on land crossings.
On Monday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs granted the first-ever official license for an international passenger shipping line to the company Sea Keepers. The license authorizes the company to establish and operate sea routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Pakistani media had reported as early as July last year that plans were underway to launch a shipping line aimed at easing the travel of Pakistani pilgrims to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the new sea corridor will have the capacity to transport hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, particularly pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, migrant workers, and tourists visiting the Gulf states.
He described the move as a historic step, saying the launch of the shipping line would create significant opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity, expand religious tourism, and stimulate economic growth through maritime routes.
“With this new route, pressure on land crossings will be reduced and travel costs will be lower compared to air transport,” he added.
The first phase of operations will begin from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar. Modern passenger vessels equipped with safety and comfort facilities will be deployed to ensure safe and affordable journeys. The expansion of destinations and ports will depend on demand and bilateral agreements.
The idea of establishing a maritime passenger link between Iran and Pakistan was first proposed over a decade ago.
Official Welcome Ceremony Held by Pakistani Prime Minister for President Pezeshkian on August 03, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
