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KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy has expressed serious concerns over the discharge of raw sewage and industrial waste into the sea and sought cooperation from the Sindh government to remove bottlenecks in the establishment of a treatment plant near Mai Kolachi.

The issues of the marine pollution, installation of a treatment plant, expansion of Karachi Fish Harbour and others were raised by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf during a meeting with caretaker Sindh Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar here at CM House on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the CM House said that the naval chief informed Justice Baqar that the navy, in collaboration with the Karachi Port Trust, wanted to install a 60 million gallons per day (MGD) sewage treatment plant near My Kolachi.

Naval chief raises issue of marine pollution in meeting with interim chief minister

The chief minister told the naval chief that a case involving the Mai Kolachi land was pending disposal in court. However, he assured him that the provincial government would take steps to materalise the treatment plant project.

A source said that around 100-acre of land at the Mai Kolachi area was required for setting up a Wetland Park to treat 60 MGD of swage and industrial wastewater through various outlets. However, the project had been delayed because of litigation over the land.

The chief minister informed the naval chief that the provincial government had already started work on the project to treat industrial waste before dumping it into the sea.

He said that funds had also been allocated for the S-III project and the work needed to be expedited.

“There is also a federal government project for the treatment of industrial waste,” he said, adding that work on the projects also needed to be sped up.

Expansion of fish harbour

The CM House spokesperson said that the naval chief also informed the chief minister that the Karachi Fish Harbour needed further expansion.

He was of the view that the expansion was required to accommodate an increasing number of fishing boats. The chief minister said that the caretaker provincial government would definitely take steps to expand the Karachi Fish Harbour.

Admiral Ashraf said that although the provincial government had given Cadet College Kakkar to the navy it needed to complete the paperwork to start the college.

Justice Baqar directed the officials concerned to complete the paperwork at the earliest.

When the naval chief informed about a refinery being set up in Karachi in cooperation with China, the chief minister assured him that the provincial government would provide all necessary support for the execution of the project.

Seminar on World Fisheries Day

Also on Tuesday, the CM said that challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation and regulatory gaps persisted and concerted efforts were underway to enhance governance, including the implementation of licensing and environmental impact assessments.

“By embracing sustainable practices and strategic investments, we can unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, fostering both economic prosperity and the well-being of our coastal populations,” he said while speaking at a seminar organised by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs to mark World Fisheries Day at the Bahria University.

Justice Baqar said that seafood products, ranging from fish and shrimp to crabs and squid, including frozen and fresh seafood, canned goods, and value-added items like breaded fish fillets, could find their way to international markets if adherence to quality standards and the integration of technology was ensured.

“Our key export destinations include the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Korea. Remarkably, Pakistan’s seafood export reached an all-time high, hitting $496 million in 2022-23,” he said and added that the potential for growth was substantial.

The CM said that the fishermen communities were not merely guardians of the sea and added that they embodied the essence of our cultural heritage, preserving traditions that had been cherished and passed down through generations.

Justice Baqar said that Pakistan was blessed with a coastline stretching over 1,000 km and an expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 290,000 sq. km, including the extended continental shelf.

“This endowment positions Pakistan with significant potential for the development of the Blue Economy,” he said, adding that marine fishing activities were concentrated along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, constituting 30 per cent and 70 per cent of Pakistan’s total coastal area, respectively.

Fishing has been a vital source of sustenance for communities along the Indus River and the Arabian Sea for periods, he said.

“Our waters harbor approximately 70 commercial fish species,” he said and added that the fisheries sector not only significantly contributed to the country’s economy but also formed the backbone of livelihoods for the coastal communities.
 
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The Pakistan Navy celebrated World Maritime Day with a strong focus on maritime safety and security, reflecting its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Pakistan's maritime interests. As a country with an extensive coastline and critical maritime resources, Pakistan’s security and economic prosperity are closely tied to the safety of its seas and maritime routes.

On this occasion, the Navy emphasized the importance of protecting Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the sea lanes that are vital for global trade and national security. The celebration likely involved various activities such as naval drills, seminars, and public engagements to raise awareness about maritime issues, environmental protection, and the significance of maintaining a secure maritime domain.

The Pakistan Navy continues to play a key role in ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes, combating piracy, and contributing to regional peace and stability through collaboration with international naval forces. This ongoing commitment demonstrates Pakistan's resolve to strengthen its maritime sector in line with global maritime safety and security goals, such as those set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

 
Pakistan Navy and Qatar Emiri Navy Conduct Bilateral Exercise Asad Al Bahr-III
In a demonstration of growing maritime cooperation, the Pakistan Navy and the Qatar Emiri Navy successfully conducted the bilateral naval exercise Asad Al Bahr-III. This exercise marks a continuation of strong naval collaboration between the two countries, aiming to enhance operational readiness, strengthen maritime security, and promote mutual interoperability in the region.

Objectives of Asad Al Bahr-III
The Asad Al Bahr series of exercises are designed to bolster naval cooperation and coordination between the Pakistan Navy and the Qatar Emiri Navy. The third iteration of this joint exercise focused on a variety of key objectives:
Strengthening Maritime Security: Both navies aimed to refine their abilities to protect vital sea lanes and enhance security in the Arabian Gulf region, which is a crucial area for international maritime trade.
Enhancing Interoperability: The exercise allowed the two navies to improve their interoperability and operational coordination in real-time scenarios, fostering greater synergy in joint naval operations.
Sharing Best Practices: Through the exercise, both navies shared valuable experience and best practices in maritime defense strategies, anti-piracy operations, and counterterrorism measures.
Key Phases of the Exercise
The Asad Al Bahr-III exercise was conducted in multiple phases, involving complex naval drills and operations:

Sea-Based Operations: The participating naval forces engaged in a series of coordinated maneuvers, including anti-surface and anti-air warfare tactics, maritime patrols, and search and rescue operations. These exercises tested the combat readiness of both navies in simulated threat environments.
Counterterrorism and Anti-Piracy Drills: Special emphasis was placed on counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations, reflecting the ongoing importance of addressing maritime threats in the region. Boarding operations and inspection drills were carried out to strengthen security in regional waters.
Communication and Command Coordination: The exercise also focused on enhancing communication protocols and command structures between the two navies, allowing for more efficient command and control during joint missions.
Strengthening Naval Ties
The Asad Al Bahr exercises are a reflection of the strong naval ties between Pakistan and Qatar. Both countries have a shared interest in ensuring peace and stability in the Arabian Gulf, a region that holds immense strategic importance for global energy supplies and trade.
The Pakistan Navy and Qatar Emiri Navy have developed a robust defense relationship, marked by regular joint exercises and training programs. These efforts aim to enhance professional expertise, as well as deepen the strategic partnership in safeguarding mutual maritime interests.

Regional and Strategic Importance
The exercise comes at a time when maritime security challenges in the Arabian Gulf remain high due to geopolitical tensions, piracy, and threats to maritime trade routes. By conducting bilateral exercises like Asad Al Bahr-III, Pakistan and Qatar are not only reaffirming their commitment to regional security but also contributing to broader international efforts to ensure safe passage for global shipping and energy transportation.

Conclusion
The successful completion of Asad Al Bahr-III underscores the growing maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar. This exercise represents a shared commitment to enhancing operational preparedness, improving maritime security, and building stronger defense ties between the two nations. Through joint efforts, both navies are well-positioned to address current and future maritime security challenges in the region.


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The Pakistan Navy has successfully seized a significant cache of drugs in the North Arabian Sea during a maritime security operation. This interception is part of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and secure its maritime borders. The North Arabian Sea is a key route for illegal narcotics, and operations like this highlight the Navy's commitment to regional security and countering illicit activities.

Such seizures are critical in disrupting the operations of drug cartels and contribute to international efforts against drug smuggling. The successful operation also underscores the Pakistan Navy’s vigilance and effectiveness in maintaining control over its territorial waters.

 

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