Senate body visits Pakistan Navy Dockyard & Headquarters

KARACHI (92 News) – The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change headed by Chairperson Senator Sitara Ayaz and Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul visited Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Headquarters Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, Karachi Shipyard and Karachi Harbour on Friday. During the visit, delegates were briefed about Pakistan Navy and PMSA's efforts to protect Mangrove Forests, marine life and coastline of Pakistan from pollution. The delegation was briefed that mangroves are vital to coastal ecosystem, prevention of intrusion and sustainability of marine life. However, these gifts of nature are diminishing in the face of economic, development and being utilized for domestic needs. Being a major stakeholder of the maritime domain and realizing the importance of mangrove or marine life, since 2016 Pakistan Navy has taken a major initiative to revive mangrove forests all along the coast by plantation of 2 million mangroves each year. It was also emphasized that major part of our coast is free from pollution; however, Karachi coastal waters receive heavy pollution from various land & sea based sources. The major causes of pollution are inadequate sewage treatment and disposal facilities. Chairperson Senator Sitara Ayaz appreciated PN and PMSA efforts towards national cause of preserving the marine eco-system. She stressed upon the need for a compressive waste management plan for Karachi metropolis and emphasized on ensuring strict implementation of Environmental Protection Acts and rules.