Federal, Sindh govts to close ranks on coastal degradation

June 23, 2026 (MLN): Institutional coordination between federal and provincial authorities is set to be strengthened to address marine pollution and safeguard coastal ecosystems, with both sides emphasizing closer collaboration on environmental management and maritime sustainability along Pakistan's coastline.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi reached the agreement during a meeting at the minister's chamber in the National Assembly, where both sides outlined shared priorities on waste management, conservation of marine resources and sustainable economic activity along Sindh's coastline, according to a press release issued.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said he would convene a meeting of the Marine Pollution Control Board during his upcoming visit to Karachi to review ongoing efforts and brief the governor on institutional responses to marine litter and coastal degradation.

He noted that Karachi Port Trust was already carrying out routine clean-up operations in port waters and adjoining areas as part of its maintenance and environmental management activities.

Citing UN Environment Programme assessments, the minister said an estimated 19–23 million tonnes of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems annually worldwide.

He added that global studies, including those supported by the World Bank, indicate plastic often exceeds 50% of marine litter by item count, though proportions vary by location and methodology.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted that healthy oceans are critical to climate regulation, biodiversity and coastal livelihoods, including mangrove ecosystems and fisheries, and called for coordinated action to improve waste management systems and reduce pollution at source.

He also pointed to the economic potential of transitioning toward a circular economy, with improved recycling and resource recovery systems that international studies suggest could generate employment while easing environmental pressures.

Governor Hashmi, for his part, stressed the importance of improved federal-provincial coordination, highlighting waste management and sustainable economic activity as central to the well-being of coastal communities in Sindh.

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