Stricter trash regulations on the coast, ports urged

Islamabad:

Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry issued a clear appeal for urgent, coordinated action to combat plastic pollution and modernizing Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure. In a statement published on World Environment Day, the Minister urged the alignment of maritime policies with world climate goals to protect the country’s coastline and maritime biodiversity and marine biodiversity.

Underlining the issue of World Environment Day of 2025, “Beat Plastic Plestulation”, Chaudhry described the transition from an economical “turbocharged” model in a circular focused on re -use, recycling and sustainable alternatives. He noted that the ministry has already planted millions of plants, which serve as natural obstacles against pollution and vital nurseries for marine life.

“Pakistan’s Delta Indus hosts one of the largest Magrovians in the world. The ministry is also working with Port Authorities and Shipping Agencies to impose stricter waste regulations.

In a separate commitment, Chaudhry addressed key elements from the Pakistani shipping industry at a dinner hosted by Aasim a Siddiqui, chief executive of Pakistan Intermodal Limited. Emphasizing that more than 90% of Pakistan’s trade moves through marine ports, he stressed the contribution of more than 10% to GDP and employment for more than two million people.

He noted that the Karachi Port Trust can only handle 125 million tonnes of cargo annually, and the shipping sector earned $ 235 million in revenue in 2023, mainly from oil tankers. However, he warned that Pakistan is still spending $ 6-8 billion a year on foreign goods and demanded the expansion of local shipping capabilities.

An initiative of fast -paced $ 1 billion in investment with Hutchison Port Holdings to upgrade Karachi terminals. Chaudhry assured stakeholders for the continuous cooperation and coordination of policy to promote sustainable development.

In the evening, it ended with a joint commitment to boost Pakistan’s maritime economy through environmental responsibility, investment and innovation.