Pakistan, Oman plan to link Gwadar, Sohar ports

Dawn reported that Pakistan and Oman are exploring a setup that would make Gwadar and Sohar ports sister ports. The idea came up in talks between Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor Ul Haq Baloch and Oman's Consul General Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari. Both sides looked at ways to boost trade, shipping and logistics links, and at wider maritime cooperation.

The proposed sister-port setup is expected to open a direct sea route linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with Gulf and Central Asian markets, while aiming to speed up cargo movement and shorten transit times. Officials also talked about direct air links from Gwadar to Oman, operated by Salam Air and using the newly built Gwadar International Airport, plus possible Omani investment in the Gwadar Free Zone. Logistics, warehousing and fisheries were also mentioned as areas for shared business ventures.

Technical ties will deepen across dredging, port administration, digital operations and staff training. The two sides will push ahead with a memorandum of understanding, with ministries handling the process over the next few weeks. Al Khanjari also gave assurance of Oman's full backing for the framework.