ISLAMABAD: In a landmark step to strengthen maritime links in the region, Pakistan has issued its first shipping license for a route connecting the country with Iran.
The license was granted to Sea Keepers, an international maritime transport firm, allowing it to begin direct shipping services between Pakistan, Iran, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, according to News.Az citing foreign sources.
The approval came after a high-level meeting that included officials from the ministries of maritime affairs, defense, foreign affairs, and interior, as well as representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and various port authorities.
Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, described the move as a significant achievement aligned with the country’s national maritime policy.
He emphasized that the new shipping route will boost regional connectivity, religious travel, and economic cooperation.
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This maritime corridor is expected to serve hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, particularly pilgrims traveling to religious sites in Iran and Iraq, along with workers and tourists heading to GCC countries.
