Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has said Pakistan's coastline and marine ecosystems are crucial for hundreds of migratory bird species that support global biodiversity and sustain local fisheries and communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday to mark World Migratory Bird Day, Chaudhry called for stronger national and regional cooperation to protect coastal habitats that serve as essential stopovers for birds traveling across continents.
He noted that Pakistan's coastal and marine zones form part of the Indus Flyway, one of the world's major migratory routes linking 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 said.
Citing findings from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Bank of Punjab, the minister said domestic coastal tourism generates about $300 million annually, roughly 0.1% of GDP. "We aim to strengthen the economy by connecting tourism with the wetland ecosystem," he added.
Chaudhry warned that unchecked coastal development, pollution, and habitat loss are putting these fragile ecosystems at risk and urged stronger conservation and sustainable management efforts to protect them for future generations.
Observed globally on October 10 and 11, World Migratory Bird Day this year carries the theme "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," highlighting the need for coexistence between people and wildlife in both natural and urban areas. He said Pakistan's participation in the observance underscores its commitment to international conservation agreements, including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Migratory Species.
Identifying key habitats along the Indus Delta, Chaudhry said tidal creeks, mudflats, and dense mangrove forests provide crucial feeding and roosting grounds for migratory waterbirds and shorebirds. The Thatta and Keti Bandar coasts, rich in mangroves and wetlands, regularly attract flamingos, herons, ducks, and other species. The Korangi Creek and Hawksbay areas near Karachi also serve as major resting points for birds traveling along the Arabian Sea.
Further west, Balochistan's southern coastline, with its mudflats and sandy shores, supports large numbers of migratory birds. Sites such as Miani Hor and Sonmiani Bay are particularly significant, sustaining diverse bird and marine life throughout the migration season.
Chaudhry emphasised that these coastal regions are vital not only for wildlife but also for local communities dependent on fishing and eco-tourism. Preserving migratory bird habitats, he said, requires balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Strengthening wetland protection, restoring mangroves, and promoting community-led conservation, he added, would ensure Pakistan's coasts remain both ecologically vibrant and economically sustainable.
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