Pakistan has recently declared Astola Island as its first marine protected area
LAHORE: Nature has blessed Pakistan with inestimable treasures for those who are desirous of exploring. The Astola Island is one such hidden and a lesser known place to rejoice the magnificence of nature. It’s also called the island of the seven hills. It’s a small uninhabited island in the Arabian Sea almost 25km away from Pasni, a famous fishing port in Balochistan.
The view of the island from the top and the changing scintillating water colour patterns leave one spellbound. The scenic seabed is visible at about 20 feet depth in which endangered green and hawksbill turtle can easily be seen. The island is a breeding ground for various species of reptiles, multicoloured fish and a large number of breeding water birds. Moreover, it is surrounded by sparse vegetation, shrubs and large bushes which are devoid of fresh water and largely depend on rainfall for survival. However, keekar is the only tree present there that endures harsh environmental conditions.
Pakistan has recently declared the Astola Island as its first marine protected area under the convention on biological diversity in June 2017. Since this island is free from human influence, this seclusion helps to protect several specifies present on the island.
Famous for camping, deep-sea diving and fish hunting, this is a right destination to visit and explore the scenic beauty of nature. However, there are no lodging facilities at the site and can only be accessed through motorised boats from Pasni.
Haider Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, December 26th, 2017.
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