ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Sunday highlighted the vital role of Pakistan’s mangroves in protecting the Arabian Sea coastline, sustaining fisheries and strengthening climate resilience. In a statement issued on the eve of World Mangrove Day, he called for concerted efforts to protect and restore the country’s mangrove ecosystems and unlock their potential for the blue economy. The minister noted that Pakistan is home to the world’s largest arid-climate mangrove forest, concentrated in the Indus Delta in Sindh, with smaller patches in Balochistan. He said Pakistan currently ranks around seventh globally in mangrove forest area and could move to fourth or fifth place through sustained restoration efforts. Junaid Chaudhry said mangroves act as a natural shield against shoreline erosion, flooding and storm surges while protecting coastal communities, ports and marine biodiversity. APP
