Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi agreed to coordinate efforts against marine pollution.
- The meeting highlighted the impact of untreated sewage on coastal ecosystems and public health in Karachi.
- Both parties committed to strengthening institutional coordination and developing long-term measures.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi have agreed to launch coordinated efforts to combat marine pollution, protect coastal ecosystems, and strengthen the blue economy.
During a meeting at the minister’s office on Thursday, they reviewed the worsening state of marine pollution along the coastline and its implications for marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities, and critical infrastructure.
Chaudhry stated that marine pollution is no longer confined to environmental degradation but has become a multidimensional challenge affecting livelihoods, economic activity, and public health in coastal areas.
He added that the Marine Pollution Control Board of his ministry was already implementing measures to curb pollution and proposed convening a meeting with the Sindh government and relevant provincial departments to prepare a coordinated response.
Chaudhry emphasized that untreated sewage discharge into the sea is one of the most serious threats to the marine environment, damaging sensitive ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, and fish habitats.
Governor Hashmi expressed concern over the public health risks associated with polluted coastal waters in Karachi, particularly for communities living in coastal settlements.
He stressed the need for stronger cooperation among federal, provincial, and local authorities to improve wastewater management and prevent untreated sewage from entering the sea.
Both parties agreed to strengthen institutional coordination and jointly develop long-term measures to curb pollution, protect coastal ecosystems, and support the sustainable growth of the blue economy.
Marine pollution is no longer confined to environmental degradation but has become a multidimensional challenge affecting livelihoods, economic activity and the health of people living in coastal areas.
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs
Marine pollution had become a major public health concern for people living in coastal settlements, particularly in Karachi, where communities were increasingly exposed to health risks associated with polluted coastal waters.
Nehal Hashmi, Sindh Governor
