Pakistan is set to commence its international ferry service from Karachi Port to Iran’s Chabahar Port on January 22, according to officials.
The service will transport up to 240 passengers from Pakistan to Iran within 12 to 14 hours, primarily for religious tourism. The return fare has been fixed at Rs. 50,000 per passenger, including baggage.
In this regard, a terminal for ferry services has been inaugurated at Karachi Port by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
Speaking to the media, he said the terminal has established the required customs and immigration systems to facilitate visitors and maintain records of arrivals and departures in line with international standards.
The minister said that the frequency of ferry services and international routes would be gradually expanded to include Iraq and Gulf countries to facilitate businessmen, workers, and tourists from Pakistan. He added that this initiative would promote economic activity, private investment, and religious tourism.
He further mentioned that the ministry is in talks with three to four investors to grant them licenses to operate ferry services on various international routes.
It is pertinent to mention that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs awarded a license to a private company, Sea Keepers, in August 2025. However, the decision to launch the service had been taken more than five years earlier.
CEO of Sea Keepers, Muhammad Omar, said the ferry ship had been imported from Australia, and the company is planning to import additional ferries with a seating capacity of more than 500 passengers.
He added that the service has received an overwhelming response even before its launch, with bookings for three services already reserved.
The ferry service will primarily benefit religious tourists from Pakistan and is expected to operate on a weekly basis, with the frequency likely to increase based on passenger demand.
Last year, over five million Pakistanis traveled to Iran from various cities across Pakistan, mostly via road transport.
