Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has called for greater national and regional cooperation to safeguard Pakistan’s coastal and marine ecosystems, stressing their crucial role in supporting hundreds of migratory bird species and sustaining local livelihoods.
In a statement issued on World Migratory Bird Day, observed globally on October 10 and 11, Chaudhry said Pakistan’s participation underscores its commitment to global conservation efforts under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Migratory Species. This year’s theme, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” he said, emphasizes the need for coexistence between people and wildlife in both urban and natural settings.
Highlighting the ecological and economic value of Pakistan’s coasts, Chaudhry cited research by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Bank of Punjab, noting that domestic coastal tourism generates about $300 million annually, or roughly 0.1 percent of GDP. “We aim to strengthen the economy by connecting tourism with the wetland ecosystem,” he said.
The minister warned that unchecked coastal development, pollution, and habitat degradation were endangering these fragile ecosystems. He urged stronger conservation measures, mangrove restoration, and community-led management to balance environmental protection with economic growth.
Chaudhry pointed out that Pakistan’s coastal and marine zones form part of the Indus Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory routes linking Central Asia and Siberia to the Arabian Sea. “Every year, thousands of birds depend on our wetlands, mangrove forests, estuaries, and tidal creeks for food and rest along their journey,” he said.
Identifying key habitats, he noted that the Thatta and Keti Bandar coasts, rich in mangroves and wetlands, regularly attract flamingos, herons, ducks, and other species, while the Korangi Creek and Hawksbay areas near Karachi serve as major stopovers for birds along the Arabian Sea. Further west, Balochistan’s southern coastline — including Miani Hor and Sonmiani Bay — provides critical feeding grounds for diverse migratory and marine species.
He emphasized that these regions are vital not only for wildlife but also for local fishing and eco-tourism communities, and that protecting migratory bird habitats is essential to keeping Pakistan’s coastlines both ecologically vibrant and economically sustainable.
