Karachi Port Trust (KPT) commemorated World Ocean Day with a special ceremony highlighting marine conservation and sustainable practices and underscoring the oceans’ vital role in supporting life on Earth. The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman KPT Syedain Raza Zaidi, KPT General Managers, and other stakeholders graced the event.

Chairman KPT Syedain Raza Zaidi highlighted the potential of the Blue Economy and stressed the importance of harnessing the resources and the health of the oceans. He emphasised the significance of maritime trade for economic development, pointing out the crucial role of seas in facilitating global commerce.

Chairman KPT stressed the importance of preserving marine habitats and controlling various forms of sea pollution in the Karachi harbour, including plastic, sewage, oil spills, factory waste, etc. He urged the adoption of international best practices in alignment with the theme of World Oceans Day 2024. Chairman KPT directed all relevant departments to collaborate with other agencies and work diligently to conserve oceans and aquatic life.

Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, underscored the importance of marine conservation efforts, emphasising the need to increase mangrove forests to protect aquatic life and coastal ecosystems. The Minister called for concerted action to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the oceans, stressing the necessity of controlling human activities such as oil/carbon emissions and plastic pollution, which significantly contribute to the degradation of ocean health at an alarming rate. Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh urged global commitment to ocean protection, recognising their crucial role in sustaining all life on Earth. Additionally, the Minister expressed the view that abundant marine resources will directly impact the country’s trade balance.

In conclusion, KPT reiterated its dedication to promoting maritime practices and protecting the oceans for future generations. The event served as a platform for collaboration and awareness among industry experts and stakeholders, reinforcing the collective commitment towards a sustainable marine ecosystem.