Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to maintaining its marine environments and addressing critical issues like sea pollution and climate change. In discussions with Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who visited him in Islamabad, President Zardari emphasized the importance of modernizing the nation’s fisheries and shipbreaking sectors as well as focusing on the blue economy to bolster Pakistan’s development strategy.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the President highlighted the detrimental effects of maritime pollution on aquatic life and its subsequent impact on the growth of Pakistan’s fisheries sector. He stated Pakistan’s intent to engage further with the IMO to gain support and expertise in improving maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
President Zardari detailed the proactive measures being taken by Pakistan to combat climate change effects, including the extensive planting of mangroves over a million acres in Sindh and the sale of carbon credits internationally. He announced plans to expand this initiative to two million acres.
The President expressed a strong commitment to adhering to IMO regulations and standards, emphasizing the importance of these measures in achieving a sustainable maritime industry. He also noted the potential areas for future collaboration with IMO, particularly in technical cooperation and expertise-sharing to enhance the maritime sector.
For his part, Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco acknowledged Pakistan’s significant maritime potential and assured continued support from the IMO in fostering advancements and promoting a sustainable and efficient maritime industry globally.
President Zardari also took the opportunity to congratulate the Secretary-General on his election as the tenth Secretary General of IMO and expressed confidence in his leadership to promote a fair and effective regulatory framework for the global shipping industry.