KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has warned that the rising tide of textile and fashion waste flooding our oceans poses a growing threat not only to marine life but also to economic future, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of future generations.
On World Cleanup Day 2025, which carries the theme “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular Fashion,” he underscored the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect oceans and secure the future for coming generations. World Cleanup Day is a global initiative focused on combating solid waste and marine debris, highlighting the pressing challenges posed by textile pollution.
The minister stated that the Prime Minister’s firm commitment to prioritizing climate change underscores the urgent need for sustainable policies aimed at protecting environment, economy, and citizens. “The health of our oceans is directly linked to the wellbeing of our people, economy, and planet. I urge industries, policymakers, and citizens to recognize the dangers of textile and fashion waste and collaborate to build a circular economy that protects both livelihoods and biodiversity,” said Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
Pakistan’s textile and fashion sector, one of the world’s largest and responsible for nearly 60% of national exports, also generates significant waste and pollution. Studies reveal textile waste contributes heavily to microplastic contamination in rivers and seas, threatening marine life including fish, corals, and vital coastal ecosystems.
Every year, tons of textile waste end up in landfills and waterways that eventually flow into the Arabian Sea. Microfibers from synthetic fabrics are consumed by marine animals, disrupting food chains and placing additional stress on species already threatened by climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation.
