ISLAMABAD — National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organized a Seminar to mark the celebrations on World Environment Day 2023 on June 5, 2023 on the theme “Solutions to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution in Pakistan.” Senator Sherry Rehman, Federal Minister for Climate Change, graced the occasion as a Chief Guest.

While addressing the audience, the Minister highlighted the escalating issue of plastic pollution in the country. She shared staggering facts and figures on plastic pollution, while also giving an insight into the initiatives on the government level. Source reduction, circular economy, and effective incorporation of the 7 Rs (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle) of plastic waste management were encouraged by the Minister. She called for practical actions to beat plastic pollution. She urged to move beyond slogans, inculcate a culture of new habits, and reduce the gap between saying and doing.

Ms. Farzana Altaf Shah, DG Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency called for a systematic change in the behavior of production and consumption. She emphasized on increased ethical and moral responsibilities that stem from our cultural and religious values regarding preserving the environment. While welcoming the guests, Vice Admiral (Retd) Asif Khaliq, Rector Bahria University, in his remarks, called for governments and other stakeholders for effective implementation of policies and frameworks related to reducing and managing plastic pollution in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Tariq Mehmood of NIO, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Shams of Karachi University, Mr. Abid Ali from WWF-Pakistan, and Ms. Zainab Naeem from SDPI shared their perspectives on the origins of pollution, challenges in mitigation, along with a review of regulations, offering a roadmap for Pakistan.

The event was well-attended by subject matter specialists, government officials, representatives of think tanks, faculty members, students, and key maritime stakeholders. At the end, the moderator Director NIMA, Cdre (Retd) Bilal Abdul Nasir thanked the guest speakers and participants for their interest and appreciated the team NIMA Islamabad for making this event rewarding and successful.