Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi discussed enhanced cooperation to address marine pollution and strengthen the protection of coastal ecosystems.
According to an official information today, the discussion took place during a meeting at the minister’s chamber in the National Assembly, where both sides emphasised the need for closer coordination between federal and provincial institutions on environmental management and maritime sustainability.
The minister said that he would convene a meeting of the Marine Pollution Control Board during his upcoming visit to Karachi to review ongoing efforts and receive briefings on institutional responses to marine litter and coastal degradation.
Governor Hashmi stressed the importance of improved coordination between federal and provincial authorities, highlighting waste management, the conservation of marine resources, and sustainable economic activity as essential to the environmental and economic well-being of coastal communities in Sindh.
Junaid Chaudhry said that healthy oceans play a critical role in regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining coastal livelihoods, including mangrove ecosystems and fisheries.
He said that the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) was carrying out routine clean-up operations in port waters and adjoining areas as part of its ongoing maintenance and environmental management activities.
Referring to assessments by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Junaid Chaudhry said that an estimated 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems worldwide each year, underscoring the scale of marine pollution challenges faced by coastal states.
He added that global studies, including those supported by the World Bank, indicate that plastic typically accounts for a significant share of marine litter, often exceeding 50 per cent by item count, although the proportions vary widely depending on location and methodology.
Junaid Chaudhry said that marine litter poses a serious threat to ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities, and called for coordinated action between federal and provincial authorities to improve waste management systems and reduce pollution at its source.
He also noted the broader economic potential of transitioning towards a circular economy, including improved recycling systems and resource recovery initiatives, which international studies suggest could create employment opportunities while reducing environmental pressures.
The meeting concluded with an agreement on the need to strengthen institutional coordination, improve waste management, safeguard marine resources, and promote sustainable maritime development.