Sea holds treasure for development: minister

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Senator Syed Faisal Ali Sabzwari has said that the country has huge marine resources which can be utilised for wider developments.

He expressed these views while addressing the "Blue Economy Development Roadmap Visioning Consultative Workshop" held on the occasion of World Ocean Day 2022 which was organised by Ministry of Maritime Affairs at a local hotel on Wednesday.

He said, "We are committed to protect marine life and support the stakeholders."

He sais that the government would support two thousand fishermen so that they can increase their earnings through better tools and equipment and enhance professional skills.

The existence of marine resources is no less than a blessing for the country and it is advisable to all stakeholders to sit and work together to get the benefits of available resources, the minister added.

The industries are dumping waste in the sea and from Marina Club to Port Qasim, it seems like it is filled with sewage water, the federal minister mentioned, saying that it is polluting the marine ecosystem. Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world and we need to increase the export of our products like cotton, wheat and rice.

Fishery sector is a provincial department and the Sindh chief minister has been informed about some programs related to fishery sector.

Additional Secretary Ministry of Maritime Affairs Asad Rafi told that they collaborated with World Bank to improve the marine ecosystem in the country.

Millions gallons of sewage is being dumped in the sea which is affecting the marine life, he said, adding that they are not getting much benefits from these resources as other countries are getting.

Navy marks Oceans Day

To commemorate significance of the World Oceans Day, Pakistan Navy is playing a lead role in promoting safe and sustainable use of ocean resources. Some of the major Pakistan Navy initiatives include; beach cleaning, construction of harbour debris collection barges, intensive Mangroves plantation, banning use of destructive fishing nets, tackling oil pollution at sea and coordination with industrial community to reduce waste disposal that causes marine pollution. An active and forthcoming participation by all and Marine community in particular will help promote the essence of the day. In this regard National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) has also arranged a number of activities including seminar/ webinar and panel discussions focusing on ocean resources and Blue Economy.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi in his message of the day reaffirmed PN resolve and commitment to make every effort to protect, preserve and conserve the oceans for our future generations.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2022.