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Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen collaboration in the blue economy, focusing on improving maritime, road, and rail connectivity to promote trade, investment, and regional integration. The understanding came during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, in Islamabad. Both ministers underlined the need to enhance regional connectivity to support economic growth and people-to-people exchanges. Discussions included plans to upgrade port infrastructure, streamline logistical routes, and improve maritime trade networks linking the two neighbouring nations. Highlighting new possibilities for collaboration, Junaid Chaudhry proposed the launch of a ferry service between Pakistan and Iran. The initiative aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient transportation alternative for pilgrims and traders, leveraging Iran’s lower fuel prices to keep fares affordable. Chaudhry noted that in 2025, around 70,000 Pakistani pilgrims travelled to Iraq for Arbaeen by air, a figure that could multiply if a ferry service becomes available. He also announced plans for a centralised pilgrim management system next year to ensure safe, organised travel through registered tour operators. “Iran can benefit greatly from the growing number of Pakistani pilgrims,” Chaudhry said, emphasising joint infrastructure projects to enhance religious tourism and bilateral trade. Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadegh welcomed the proposal and acknowledged that both countries’ ports represent vital economic gateways for regional commerce. She called for deeper port-to-port cooperation and new trade routes across the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, saying improved connectivity could “open new horizons for shared prosperity.” Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing collaboration in the maritime and transport sectors, underscoring their shared vision to strengthen Pakistan–Iran ties and drive sustainable growth through the blue economy.
