Muscat: The planned ferry route, which is likely to connect the Sultanate of Oman to Pakistan’s Gwadar port near Karachi, was the focal point of high-level discussions in Islamabad on Thursday. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Oman’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi, met to chart out this promising new initiative.

With bilateral trade already showing strong potential — Pakistan’s exports to Oman reaching nearly $224 million in 2024 — officials believe the ferry link could unlock even greater economic opportunities. Minister Chaudhry said the proposed service is projected to bring in “multi-billion-dollar benefits” through expanded trade, increased investment flows, and new transit revenue streams.

But the plan goes beyond just goods. The ferry will also cater to passenger travel, aiming to enhance tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations with centuries-old ties. Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposal, praising the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Oman’s ongoing economic development.

The maritime dialogue also covered opportunities beyond shipping lanes. Pakistan offered specialised marine education and training to Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, in a bid to strengthen long-term cooperation in maritime sciences. “This initiative aims to build human capital and technical expertise in marine sciences and navigation,” Minister Chaudhry noted.

This isn’t the first time the two nations have considered such a venture. A similar passenger ferry proposal was floated in 2017 between Karachi and Muscat.