ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s coastal and marine ecosystems are facing escalating threats from pollution, overfishing, and weak environmental governance, raising urgent questions about the country’s ability to reverse decades of damage to its oceans.
Environmental experts warn that without immediate and coordinated action, marine degradation will continue to threaten livelihoods, biodiversity, and the country’s long-term climate resilience.
Pakistan has taken initial steps toward protection, such as declaring Churna Island a Marine Protected Area and signing international agreements on marine biodiversity. However, these measures are widely regarded as insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
Untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff are contaminating coastal waters, damaging coral reefs, mangrove forests, and critical fish habitats. Plastic waste and discarded fishing gear continue to endanger marine life, while rising sea temperatures and acidification exacerbate ecological stress.
Experts emphasize that reversing this trend will require stronger enforcement of existing laws, expanding the network of marine protected areas, and improving waste treatment infrastructure. They also stress the importance of involving local communities, increasing public awareness, and enhancing scientific monitoring to guide future policies.
With its vast coastline, rich biodiversity, and economic reliance on marine resources, Pakistan has both the opportunity and the responsibility to act. Environmentalists caution that without bold and sustained efforts, the country may face irreversible damage to its oceans.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.