Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the launch of a direct ferry service between Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port — a step aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and religious tourism between the two countries.
The MoU was formalized during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a delegation from the Iraqi Embassy, led by Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri.
Terming the development a “new chapter” in bilateral ties, Minister Chaudhry said the proposed ferry service could provide a secure and cost-effective travel option for religious pilgrims, while also promoting trade and cargo connectivity between the two nations.
He noted that Pakistan has the capacity to meet Iraq’s demand for Potassium Sulphate, with a manufacturing facility already operational in the Gwadar Free Zone. The minister also sought Iraq’s support for Pakistan’s candidature in the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections — receiving a positive response from the Iraqi side.
The initiative comes amid a surge in religious travel. In 2024, over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims visited Iraq for Ashura. Both sides agreed that a ferry route could help facilitate such movement while also promoting regional integration.
Pakistan is currently working on similar maritime arrangements with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Minister Chaudhry said a ferry link with Iraq would fit into the broader strategy of expanding Pakistan’s maritime network in the region.
He also proposed increasing Pakistani exports of medicines, meat, and rice to Iraq, while inviting greater imports of Iraqi crude oil. For FY 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Iraq stood at $54.29 million, and imports — mainly petroleum — were $145.46 million, a level analysts say remains below the potential.
The Iraqi delegation welcomed the proposals and termed maritime cooperation a “key enabler” for future economic growth. Both sides agreed to initiate technical-level discussions to study the feasibility and investment needs of the proposed ferry service.
Earlier, Director General of Shipping and Ports Alia Shahid briefed the minister on ongoing work for Pakistan’s domestic ferry services. Minister Chaudhry directed reforms to licensing processes and proposed integration with the Pakistan Single Window platform to streamline approvals and reduce license issuance time from six months to one.
He also emphasized the need for flexible financing options to encourage private sector participation in the ferry sector. Industry sources estimate that between 700,000 and 1 million Pakistani Zaireen travel to Iran and Iraq annually, presenting a strong case for launching affordable maritime routes.
