## **Federal, Sindh Governments Join Hands to Combat Marine Pollution and Protect Blue Economy**
**KARACHI:** Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs **Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry** and **Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi** have agreed to launch coordinated efforts to combat marine pollution and safeguard Pakistan’s coastal ecosystems, reinforcing the country’s commitment to developing a sustainable blue economy.
The understanding was reached during a meeting in which both leaders reviewed the growing impact of marine pollution on fisheries, coastal communities, marine biodiversity, and economic activities along Pakistan’s coastline.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Chaudhry highlighted that the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea is causing severe environmental degradation, threatening sensitive ecosystems such as **mangrove forests, coral reefs, and fish habitats**.
He noted that marine pollution reduces dissolved oxygen levels in seawater, disrupts marine biodiversity, and forces fish populations away from polluted areas, adversely affecting fisheries, livelihoods, and food security.
The minister emphasized that protecting marine ecosystems is fundamental to strengthening Pakistan’s **blue economy**, which depends on healthy and productive coastal and marine resources.
Chaudhry further stated that the **Marine Pollution Control Board** is already implementing initiatives to address marine pollution and proposed convening a joint meeting with the Government of Sindh to formulate a comprehensive and coordinated action plan.
Governor Nehal Hashmi underscored that marine pollution has evolved into a significant public health challenge, particularly for coastal communities in Karachi, where contaminated seawater poses serious health risks.
He stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration among federal, provincial, and local governments to improve wastewater treatment and strengthen environmental management across coastal areas.
Both leaders agreed to enhance institutional coordination and jointly develop long-term strategies aimed at reducing marine pollution, conserving coastal ecosystems, protecting marine biodiversity, and promoting the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s blue economy.
