Islamabad: In a recent address on the International Day of Zero Waste, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, underscored the nation’s commitment to climate-resilient maritime initiatives. The Minister highlighted efforts to protect mangroves, reduce marine pollution, and promote sustainable port operations as part of Pakistan’s strategy to safeguard coastal ecosystems and achieve environmental sustainability.
As the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, which emphasizes sustainable consumption and production, Minister Chaudhry pointed out the critical role of the maritime sector in environmental conservation. He stressed the importance of collaborative measures for coastal ecosystem protection and aligning national policies with global climate objectives.
The maritime sector, responsible for handling 95% of Pakistan’s trade, faces unique waste management challenges. Minister Chaudhry outlined several measures to mitigate the environmental impact, including adherence to International Maritime Organization regulations, port operation modernization to cut fuel emissions, and a shift from heavy fuel oil to cleaner alternatives.
Conservation efforts are also underway, with over 5 million mangrove saplings planted in Sindh and Balochistan to counter coastal erosion and support biodiversity. The Minister emphasized the significance of reducing plastic waste in coastal areas to further preserve biodiversity and address climate change.
In coordination with the Climate Change Division, the ministry is working on integrating green technologies into port operations and promoting sustainable blue economy practices. Recent discussions with Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, focused on clean energy, marine biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation for fisheries and ports.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as elevated expressways and modernized cargo systems, are being prioritized to reduce congestion and emissions. A proposed 30-year policy framework aims to attract investments in eco-friendly technologies, enhancing digital ship registration and automating port operations.
Minister Chaudhry urged stakeholders to adopt circular economy principles, underlining the importance of sustainable maritime practices for economic growth and environmental security. As the nation marks Zero Waste World Day, he reaffirmed the commitment to transforming Pakistan’s maritime sector into a model of sustainability, emphasizing the protection of oceans and coastal livelihoods for future generations.