Islamabad – Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi pledged Tuesday to strengthen institutional coordination for improved waste management, marine resource protection, and sustainable development.
The two leaders highlighted the need for closer cooperation to boost environmental protection and maritime safety.
During a meeting in the minister’s chamber at the National Assembly, they emphasized tighter alignment between federal and provincial bodies on environmental management and maritime sustainability.
Discussions focused on collaborative efforts to combat marine pollution and safeguard coastal ecosystems. Chaudhry announced that he will convene the Marine Pollution Control Board during his upcoming visit to Karachi to review progress and receive briefings on responses to marine litter and coastal degradation.
Governor Hashmi stressed that stronger coordination on waste management, marine resource conservation, and sustainable economic activity is vital for the environmental and economic well‑being of Sindh’s coastal communities.
Chaudhry noted that healthy oceans are essential for climate regulation, biodiversity, and livelihoods such as mangrove ecosystems and fisheries. He pointed out that the Karachi Port Trust conducts regular clean‑up operations in port waters and surrounding areas as part of its environmental management program.
Citing UN Environment Programme assessments, Chaudhry highlighted that an estimated 19–23 million tonnes of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems worldwide each year, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge.
He added that global studies, including those supported by the World Bank, show plastic often constitutes more than 50 % of marine litter by item count, though exact shares vary by location and methodology.
Chaudhry warned that marine litter threatens ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities, and called for coordinated action by federal and provincial authorities to improve waste‑management systems and curb pollution at its source.
He also noted the economic benefits of a circular economy, emphasizing that enhanced recycling and resource recovery can create jobs while reducing environmental pressures, according to international research.
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