Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:
In a bid to deepen bilateral cooperation and enhance regional maritime connectivity, Pakistan and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to examine the launch of a direct ferry service linking Gwadar Port and Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port.
The agreement was reached 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.
The minister described the MoU as a significant step toward regional integration, noting that a direct ferry route would serve both commercial cargo and religious pilgrims—particularly the growing number of Pakistani Zaireen who visit Iraq each year.
According to official figures, more than 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims traveled to Iraq for Ashura in 2024 alone, while industry estimates suggest that 700,000 to 1 million Zaireen travel annually to Iran and Iraq. Even if 20 percent opt for ferries, the minister said, it could result in 140,000 to 200,000 passengers annually—presenting a substantial opportunity for maritime operators.
Minister Chaudhry also highlighted Pakistan’s ability to supply Potassium Sulphate to Iraq, citing a production facility already operational in the Gwadar Free Zone. In addition, he proposed boosting Pakistani exports of meat, medicines, and rice to Iraq, and invited increased imports of Iraqi crude oil to diversify trade flows.
Trade between the two countries remains relatively modest: In FY 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Iraq totaled $54.29 million, while imports—mostly petroleum products—stood at $145.46 million.
Seeking diplomatic support, Minister Chaudhry also requested Iraq’s backing for Pakistan’s candidacy in the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections. The Iraqi delegation assured full support.
The two sides agreed to initiate feasibility studies and technical assessments to evaluate the ferry route’s operational viability, infrastructure requirements, and potential investment models.
Earlier, the minister was briefed by Director General Shipping and Ports, Alia Shahid, on Pakistan’s efforts to launch its first domestic ferry service. He directed the ministry to digitize ferry licensing procedures and integrate them with the Pakistan Single Window platform. He also called for expediting the license issuance process—from six months to one—and proposed flexible financing options to attract private investors.
Deputy Head of Mission Alhimiri welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to enhancing maritime and economic collaboration with Pakistan.
While still at the MoU stage, officials believe that the proposed ferry service could reshape Pakistan-Iraq connectivity, improve logistical efficiency, and support a broader regional maritime strategy.
