Karachi Port’s East Wharf has inaugurated its first ferry terminal, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s maritime development. The new terminal will serve as the hub for ferry services between Karachi and Iran’s Chabahar Port, with operations scheduled to begin on January 20, 2026.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who described the ferry terminal as a milestone for Pakistan’s blue economy. Addressing the gathering, he stated that this ferry terminal is on par with airport facilities, providing seamless immigration, customs, and departure services for passengers.
According to the federal minister, the project has attracted interest from four Chinese operators, who are exploring opportunities to participate in the ferry service. The government aims to strengthen maritime trade and tourism through such initiatives, aligning with the Prime Minister and field marshal’s vision to bolster Pakistan’s blue economy.
The ferry operator announced that the Karachi- Chabahar route will be operational twice a week, with fares set at Rs. 50,000 per passenger. The voyage, departing daily at 5:00 pm, is expected to take 16 hours.
Beyond facilitating trade, the ferry service is expected to boost maritime tourism in Pakistan. With the country’s long coastline, such initiatives could unlock significant recreational and commercial opportunities that have remained largely untapped.
Minister Chaudhry highlighted the government’s commitment to maritime development, saying that issuing Pakistan’s first ferry license within just seven days demonstrates our commitment to enabling innovation and growth in the sector. This service will also support the development of marine tourism in Pakistan.
The new terminal and ferry service mark a significant milestone for Pakistan’s maritime industry, combining modern infrastructure with strategic regional connectivity.