Stricter waste regulations at coasts, ports urged
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has issued a clarion call for urgent, coordinated action to combat plastic pollution and modernise Pakistan's maritime infrastructure. In a statement released on World Environment Day, the minister urged alignment of maritime policies with global climate goals to safeguard the country's over 1,000-km coastline and marine biodiversity.
Highlighting the 2025 World Environment Day theme, "Beat Plastic Pollution," Chaudhry outlined the transition from a wasteful "take-make-dispose" economic model to a circular one focused on reuse, recycling, and sustainable alternatives. He noted that the ministry has already planted millions of mangrove saplings, which serve as natural barriers against pollution and vital nurseries for marine life.
"Pakistan's Indus Delta hosts one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems. Our restoration efforts, with support from local communities and international partners, are vital to coastal resilience," he said. The ministry is also working with port authorities and shipping stakeholders to enforce stricter waste regulations.
In a separate engagement, Chaudhry addressed key figures from Pakistan's shipping industry at a dinner hosted by Aasim A Siddiqui, Managing Director of Pakistan Intermodal Limited. Stressing that over 90% of Pakistan's trade moves through seaports, he highlighted the sector's contribution of more than 10% to GDP and employment for over two million people.
He noted that Karachi Port Trust alone can handle 125 million tonnes of cargo annually, and the shipping sector earned $235 million in revenue in 2023, largely from oil tankers. However, he warned that Pakistan still spends $68 billion annually on foreign freight charges and called for expanding local shipping capacities.
A $1 billion fast-track investment initiative with Hutchison Port Holdings to upgrade Karachi's terminals was also discussed. Chaudhry assured stakeholders of continued collaboration and policy coordination to foster sustainable growth.
The evening concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Pakistan's maritime economy through environmental responsibility, investment, and innovation.