KARACHI: Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) Director General Rear Admiral Jameel Akhtar has revealed that untreated sewage is being dumped into the Arabian Sea which is raising concerns regarding quality and population of marine life off the coast of Pakistan.
Akhtar told a private media outlet that an estimated 500 million gallons of untreated sewage are being dumped into the Arabian Sea in addition to 12 tons of garbage on a daily basis. This together has resulted in a drop of forty percent in marine life populations.
Stating figures from a published report, the rear admiral highlighted the serious repercussions of marine pollution, calling upon authorities to take immediate action.
Akhtar also apprised media about the increased role of MSA as a result of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) activities which has generated increased maritime traffic in the Gwadar region.
He added that in order to make sure the routes and coastline are secure, the MSA is building additional bases adding that in the coming weeks the Keti Bandar and Ormara bases will become operational.
The MSA apprised that it has recently upgraded its fleet strength by deploying four vessels with the help of China besides acquiring two vessels from the United States. These have enhanced the capacity of MSA’s patrol squadron, he added.
In addition, the MSA is pursuing the construction of three new vessels Kolachi, Zhob and Kashmir with the help of China. These vessels will be included in the fleet upon completion.
