Gwadar (TDI): The federal government has announced a wide-ranging initiative to ramp up operations at Gwadar Port, aiming to turn it into a regional maritime hub with new shipping lines and a passenger ferry service connecting Pakistan to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
The plan was unveiled during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday, with senior officials from the ministry in attendance.
“This step is part of a broader strategy to deepen regional connectivity, expand trade links, and elevate Gwadar’s role in the Arabian Sea,” the minister said. “Our goal is to develop Gwadar into a major transshipment and logistics centre, serving Pakistan and the wider region.”
With the port now fully functional, the minister stressed the need to integrate it more actively into global shipping routes. He directed all concerned departments to accelerate efforts aimed at boosting commercial activity and maximizing the port’s potential.
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As part of the expansion plan, additional shipping lines will be linked to Gwadar, allowing for greater cargo movement and facilitating transit trade with Central Asia and the Middle East.
“These new routes will not only relieve pressure on our existing ports but also ensure faster and more efficient cargo handling,” Chaudhry noted.
A key element of the plan is the launch of a ferry service between Gwadar and GCC countries. The maritime link is expected to offer a cost-effective option for passengers and freight, especially benefitting overseas Pakistanis and regional traders.
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“The ferry service will enhance people-to-people connections, stimulate tourism, and serve as an economic catalyst for Balochistan,” he added. “It will also create jobs, upgrade local infrastructure, and encourage private sector investment in services such as hospitality, ship repair, and ground transport.”
The initiative signals the government’s renewed focus on unlocking Gwadar’s strategic value amid evolving regional trade dynamics.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
