Ministers agree to tackle marine pollution

Untreated sewage threatens fisheries, blue economy growth

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi have agreed to launch coordinated efforts to combat marine pollution and protect coastal ecosystems critical to the blue economy, according to a statement issued on Thursday.

The decision came during a meeting where both leaders reviewed the impact of marine pollution on fisheries, coastal communities and economic activity along the coastline.

Chaudhry said the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea was damaging sensitive ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs and fish habitats. Pollution reduced dissolved oxygen levels in seawater, disrupted marine biodiversity and drove fish away from affected areas, undermining fisheries and livelihoods dependent on them.

The minister stressed that protecting marine ecosystems was essential for strengthening the blue economy, which relies on healthy coastal and marine resources.

Chaudhry said the Marine Pollution Control Board was already implementing measures to curb pollution and proposed convening a meeting with the Sindh government to prepare a coordinated response.

Hashmi said marine pollution had become a public health concern for coastal communities, particularly in Karachi, where residents faced health risks from polluted waters. He emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among federal, provincial and local authorities to improve wastewater management.

Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional coordination and jointly develop long-term measures to curb pollution, protect coastal ecosystems and support sustainable growth of the blue economy.