Gwadar port welcomes second Afghan transit ship, boosting regional trade confidence

Islamabad: In a significant development for regional connectivity and maritime trade, Pakistani Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that a second commercial vessel carrying Afghan transit cargo has successfully berthed at Gwadar Port.

The vessel delivered 20,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer bound for Afghanistan, marking another milestone under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement through the strategically located port.

Minister Chaudhry highlighted that the smooth docking of the ship at Gwadar is a clear testament to Pakistan’s evolving maritime policies and the growing commercial viability of Gwadar Port. “This progress has not only enhanced international confidence in Pakistan’s regional trade potential but is also strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said.

He emphasized that Gwadar is rapidly emerging as a vital trade gateway for the region, enabling more efficient and cost-effective access for Afghan goods to global markets. “Transit costs through Gwadar are expected to decrease substantially, which is crucial for facilitating trade and promoting sustainable regional development,” the minister noted.

Chaudhry also pointed out that Gwadar Port is fully equipped to handle commercial cargo and is witnessing a steady rise in activity, attributing this to Pakistan’s improved maritime infrastructure and its expanding economic role in the region.

This is the second vessel to dock at Gwadar under the Afghan transit trade framework since the first successful shipment in February 2025. The repeated use of the port by Afghan cargo vessels reflects Gwadar’s increasing strategic relevance in regional logistics.

Reaffirming the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to developing Gwadar, Minister Chaudhry said the port’s operationalization would not only bolster the national economy but also pave the way for deeper regional connectivity. “Gwadar will serve as a key economic corridor for Central Asia, transforming Pakistan into a trade hub,” he concluded.