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ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Sindh administration have agreed to launch a coordinated campaign to combat marine pollution, safeguard coastal ecosystems, and promote the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s blue economy. The decision was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori’s successor, Governor Nehal Hashmi, where both sides reviewed the growing environmental challenges facing the country’s coastline and discussed their impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities, and critical infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, the maritime affairs minister said marine pollution had evolved into a major environmental, economic, and public health challenge. He noted that pollution was not only damaging coastal ecosystems but was also threatening livelihoods and economic activities dependent on marine resources. The minister said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, through its Marine Pollution Control Board, was already implementing measures to address the issue and proposed a joint meeting with the Sindh government and relevant provincial departments to develop a comprehensive response. He identified the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea as one of the most serious threats to Pakistan’s marine environment, warning that the continuous release of wastewater was harming mangrove forests, fish habitats, coral ecosystems, and other sensitive coastal resources. Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, he said protecting marine ecosystems was essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s blue economy. Governor Nehal Hashmi described marine pollution as a growing public health concern, particularly for residents of Karachi’s coastal communities, who face increasing health risks due to contaminated seawater. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among federal, provincial, and local authorities to improve wastewater management and prevent untreated sewage from reaching the sea. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to strengthen institutional coordination and jointly formulate long-term strategies aimed at reducing marine pollution, preserving coastal ecosystems, and supporting sustainable economic development through a healthier marine environment.

CHAKWAL: Authorities have busted an illegal cigarette factory near Dhrabi village in Chakwal and seized goods, machinery and raw materials worth more than Rs250 million, according to officials. The raid was conducted jointly by the Intelligence and Investigation team of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other intelligence officials following a tip-off about an illegal cigarette manufacturing network operating in the area. According to FBR officials, the facility was a complete cigarette manufacturing unit that allegedly operated at night to evade Federal Excise Duty (FED) and General Sales Tax (GST). The factory was reportedly producing cigarettes under different brand names and supplying them to the market. Officials said the manufacturing unit was not registered with the FBR. The cigarette packets also allegedly lacked barcodes, which authorities said was part of the tax-evasion mechanism. The raid uncovered a substantial manufacturing operation. Eleven cigarette-making machines and three industrial generators were sealed during the operation. A large warehouse at the site contained significant quantities of finished cigarettes and raw materials. Authorities seized approximately 72,000 cigarette packets that were ready for sale, along with around 12,000 kilograms of raw tobacco. Other materials recovered from the premises included white paper rolls, silver and golden packaging rolls, aluminium foil rolls, polythene rolls and more than 107,000 empty cigarette packets. Officials also confiscated 30 cartons of filter rods, 14 cartons of filter paper, adhesive material and drums used in the manufacturing process. The initial assessment by FBR officials puts the combined value of the raw materials, finished products and seized machinery at more than Rs250 million. Authorities are also calculating the potential amount of tax allegedly evaded through the operation. The discovery highlights the scale of illegal cigarette manufacturing and the potential loss of government revenue through unregistered production and tax evasion. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the illegal cigarette network to determine the individuals and businesses involved in the manufacturing and distribution of the products. The illegal cigarette factory in Chakwal is among the latest targets of enforcement operations aimed at curbing illicit tobacco production and protecting government tax revenues.