Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has issued a stark warning that unchecked coastal development, pollution, and habitat loss are placing Pakistan’s fragile marine ecosystems in jeopardy, threatening hundreds of migratory bird species and a domestic tourism sector valued at approximately $300 million annually.
In a message commemorating World Migratory Bird Day, the minister underscored the urgency of protecting these coastal zones, which serve as essential stopover points for birds journeying across continents. He called for enhanced national and regional cooperation to safeguard the habitats critical for global biodiversity.
Chaudhry noted that Pakistan”s coastline is an integral part of the Indus Flyway, a major global migratory route that connects Central Asia and Siberia with the Arabian Sea. ‘Every year, thousands of birds depend on our wetlands, mangrove forests, estuaries, and tidal creeks for food and rest along their journey,’ he stated.
Citing findings from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute and the Bank of Punjab, the minister highlighted the economic significance of these areas, which generate around 0.1 percent of the GDP through coastal tourism. ‘We want to strengthen the economy by connecting tourism with the wetland ecosystem,’ Chaudhry added.
The minister identified several critical habitats along the Indus Delta, including tidal creeks and dense mangrove forests that provide crucial feeding and roosting grounds for waterbirds. The Thatta and Keti Bandar coasts are known to attract flamingos and herons, while the Korangi Creek and Hawksbay areas near Karachi offer important resting points.
Further west, Balochistan’s coastline, with sites like Miani Hor and Sonmiani Bay, sustains large populations of migratory birds. These areas support a diverse range of bird and marine life throughout the migration season.
Chaudhry emphasized that these coastal regions are not only vital for wildlife but also for the livelihoods of local communities dependent on fishing and eco-tourism. He stressed that preserving these habitats requires a careful balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The minister concluded by calling for stronger conservation efforts, including the restoration of mangroves and the empowerment of community-led initiatives, to ensure Pakistan’s coasts remain both ecologically vibrant and economically sustainable for future generations. This commitment, he said, aligns with Pakistan’s obligations under international treaties such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Migratory Species.