Textile waste threaten blue economy, marine life

Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, warned that the growing tide of the textile and fashion floods is a growing threat not only to marine life but also for the economy of Pakistani and the Pakistani economy.

In a statement on Saturday, he marked World Cleaning Day 2025 on “Treatment of Textile and Fashion Waste in circular fashion”, the minister stressed the emergency action for sustainable practices. He said that the protection of the oceans is vital to securing the future for future generations. World Cleaning Day is a worldwide initiative against solid waste and marine debris, focusing this year on the pollution of textiles.

Chaudhry noted that the prime minister’s commitment to prioritize climate change underlined the need for sustainable policies for protecting the environment, economy and citizens.

“The health of our oceans is directly linked to the well -being of the people, our economy and our planet, I urge industries, policy -makers and citizens to recognize the dangers of textile waste and fashion and work together to build a life -long and cooperation.

The textiles and the Pakistan fashion sector, one of the largest in the world and the source of almost 60% of exports, generates significant waste and pollution. Studies show that textile waste contributes greatly to microplastic infection in rivers and seas, threatening marine life, including fish, corals and coastal ecosystems.

Every year, the tones of textile waste ends in landfill and floating streets, eventually flowing into the Arabic Sea. Synthetic fabrics are consumed by marine animals, disrupt the food chains and by placing additional stress on species already threatened by climate change, overfishing and habitat loss.

The minister said the issue also hurts the economy. Pakistan’s blue economy, including fishing, shipping, tourism and coastal industries, faces major losses from contaminated water and degraded habitats. Pollution -related losses only in fishing exceed $ 200 million a year, while coastal tourist potential remain largely unreliable. If not controlled, financial losses will increase further.

At the global level, the fashion industry loses about $ 500 billion each year due to under -representation and lack of recycling. For Pakistan, the adoption of circular fashion is both environmental and economic necessity.

He added that textile waste is associated with climate change. The sector is an important water consumer and greenhouse gas emissions. Discarded textiles in landfill products release methane, exacerbating the effects of global warming on coastal communities already vulnerable to growing seas and extreme weather conditions.

Chaudhry said circular fashion, with longer, reusable, repairable and recyclable products, offers a path to reducing emissions, maintaining resources and adapting to climate risks. For Pakistan, a first -line state in climate crisis, this approach is vital.