Pakistan and Oman have moved forward with plans to establish a stronger maritime connection between Gwadar Port and Oman’s Sohar Port, with officials discussing a proposed sister-port arrangement aimed at boosting trade, shipping and regional connectivity.
The development was discussed during a meeting between Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch and Oman’s Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari. Both sides explored measures to strengthen shipping and logistics links and agreed to work toward finalising a memorandum of understanding (MoU) through their respective ministries in the coming weeks.
The proposed cooperation could create a direct maritime link connecting Pakistan’s Gwadar Port with Gulf markets through Sohar. Officials expect the initiative to facilitate cargo movement, improve transit times and strengthen trade connections with Gulf and Central Asian markets.
The two countries also discussed potential Omani investment in the Gwadar Free Zone, particularly in logistics, warehousing and fisheries. Technical cooperation was also placed on the agenda, including port management, dredging, digital port operations and training for port personnel.
In a parallel development, Pakistan and Oman discussed the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between Gwadar and Oman through SalamAir, using the newly developed Gwadar International Airport. The proposed air link is intended to support passenger travel and facilitate business activity between the two countries.
The Gwadar-Sohar initiative comes as Islamabad seeks to expand Gwadar’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. A stronger connection with Oman could provide businesses with additional shipping options and deepen Pakistan-Oman economic ties.
Officials are now expected to advance the proposed sister-port framework and work toward formalising the agreement through the relevant government ministries.