Centre and Sindh agree on coordinated action against marine pollution

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi agreed to launch coordinated efforts to combat marine pollution, protect coastal ecosystems and strengthen the blue economy.

The two came to this decision during a meeting at the minister’s office where they reviewed the worsening state of marine pollution along the coastline and its implications for marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities and critical infrastructure, as per a statement on Thursday.

“Marine pollution is no longer confined to environmental degradation but has become a multidimensional challenge affecting livelihoods, economic activity and the health of people living in coastal areas,” the minister said.

He added that the Marine Pollution Control Board of the ministry was already implementing measures to curb pollution and proposed convening a meeting with the Sindh government and relevant provincial departments to prepare a coordinated response.

Moreover, he described the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea “as one of the most serious threats to the marine environment”.

The continuous flow of untreated wastewater into coastal waters was damaging sensitive ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs and fish habitats, he said.

The minister stressed that protecting marine ecosystems was essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for strengthening the blue economy, which relies on healthy coastal and marine resources.

Meanwhile, expressing his views, Governor Hashmi said marine pollution had become a major public health concern for people living in coastal settlements, particularly in Karachi, where communities were increasingly exposed to health risks associated with polluted coastal waters.

He emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among federal, provincial and local authorities to improve wastewater management and prevent untreated sewage from entering the sea.

The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to strengthen institutional coordination and jointly develop long-term measures to curb pollution, protect coastal ecosystems and support the sustainable growth of blue economy.