Govt urged to integrate climate, disaster response amid Arabian Sea heatwave

June 05, 2026 (MLN): Authorities have been urged to combine climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable maritime governance in an integrated response to an unprecedented marine heatwave gripping the Arabian Sea.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, made these remarks while speaking on Climate Day.

He warned that sustained sea-surface temperatures in the northern Arabian Sea have exceeded the 90th percentile across more than 30% of the region in recent weeks.

This poses escalating risks to coastal communities, fisheries and maritime infrastructure.

He said the warming trend, which scientists trace back to the 1980s, is already intensifying climate risks along Pakistan's coastline and altering monsoon behaviour.

Warmer waters, he added, are a known driver of cyclone formation and intensification, raising the likelihood of heightened tropical cyclone activity in the North Arabian Sea that could strain ports, fishing fleets and coastal infrastructure.

The minister warned that anomalous Arabian Sea warming is projected to enhance moisture transport toward the coastline, increasing the probability of intense rainfall events that could overwhelm urban drainage systems.

He pointed to a westward shift in monsoon moisture that may bring heavier-than-normal rainfall to southern Pakistan, particularly Karachi and Sindh, between mid-August and mid-September, said a press release issued.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also flagged the deteriorating condition of the Indus Delta.

Further, citing that sea-level rise, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion damaging agricultural land and freshwater resources, alongside severe coral bleaching and shifting fish populations threatening livelihoods and the broader blue economy.

He outlined priority measures including strengthening early-warning systems for marine heatwaves, cyclones and extreme rainfall.

Expanding support for fishing communities; accelerating mangrove restoration; improving port preparedness; and enhancing real-time ocean monitoring were also emphasized.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs, he said, will coordinate with the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial governments, fisheries cooperatives and international partners, while also calling on the private sector, port authorities and civil society to join a coordinated national response.

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