Pakistan, Aug. 5 -- Pakistan's government has approved its first international ferry service licence, marking a significant step toward boosting regional sea travel and trade. The UK-based company Sea Keeper will operate ferries connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This approval ends years of waiting since applications first started in 2017-18.

The move comes amid growing pressure from nearly one million pilgrims stranded due to a recent ban on land travel to Iran. The ferry service will offer a safe and secure travel option for pilgrims heading to Iraq and Iran. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry fast-tracked the licence to help ease this travel challenge.

Operati...