Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, cautioned that increasing textile and fashion waste entering the oceans jeopardizes marine ecosystems, economic progress, climate resilience, and the well-being of future generations.
On World Cleanup Day 2025, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular Fashion,” he stressed the critical need for eco-friendly practices. The observance highlights the serious problems posed by textile contamination.
The Prime Minister’s commitment to addressing climate change, the Minister noted, emphasizes the urgency of sustainable policies to safeguard the environment, economy, and populace.
‘Ocean health is fundamentally connected to human well-being, economic prosperity, and planetary health,’ stated Chaudhry, urging collaboration to create a circular economy.
Pakistan’s substantial textile and fashion industry, contributing almost 60% of national exports, produces considerable waste. Research indicates textile waste significantly contributes to microplastic pollution in waterways, endangering marine life, including fish and coral.
Annually, massive amounts of textile waste end up in landfills and rivers that ultimately reach the Arabian Sea. Microfibers from synthetic materials are ingested by sea creatures, disrupting the food web and straining species already affected by climate change and overfishing.
The Minister emphasized that the problem extends to Pakistan’s blue economy, including fisheries and tourism, which incurs significant financial setbacks due to contamination. Fishery-related losses exceed $200 million annually, while the potential of coastal tourism remains largely untapped. Globally, the fashion industry loses approximately $500 billion each year due to underutilization and a lack of recycling.
Chaudhry also highlighted the connection between textile waste and climate change, noting the sector’s high water and energy consumption. Discarded textiles release methane, exacerbating global warming’s impact on coastal areas susceptible to rising sea levels. He advocated for circular fashion, promoting durable, reusable, and recyclable products, as a way to mitigate emissions and conserve resources.
‘This issue is too significant for government to address alone,’ Chaudhry emphasized, advocating for public-private partnerships and community involvement. He urged collective action to protect marine ecosystems, strengthen economic resilience, and secure a sustainable future.