ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to preserving its marine ecosystems and coastal areas by tackling challenges such as sea pollution and climate change.
During a meeting with Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in Islamabad today, the President highlighted the significant impact of maritime pollution on aquatic life and the decline in the fisheries sector.
Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s ambition to modernize its fisheries and shipbreaking industries through the Special Investment Facilitation Council, with the blue economy being a key element of the country’s development strategy. He noted that effective measures are being taken to combat climate change and enhance the marine ecosystem, and welcomed the IMO’s support and expertise in these efforts.
To address climate change, the President reported that Pakistan has already planted mangroves on over a million acres in Sindh and is planning to expand this initiative to two million acres. Additionally, Pakistan has engaged in selling carbon credits on the international market.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to adhering to IMO regulations and standards for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. He expressed enthusiasm for exploring future collaboration with the IMO, including technical cooperation and expertise-sharing to further improve the country’s maritime sector.
In response, Secretary General Velasco acknowledged Pakistan’s significant maritime potential and assured continued IMO support for advancing collaboration and promoting a sustainable maritime industry.
The President also extended his congratulations to Velasco on his election as the tenth Secretary General of the IMO, expressing confidence in his leadership to advance the organization’s mission for a fair and effective global shipping regulatory framework.
