Maritime environmental protection in Pakistan: a critical appraisal of domestic laws and international best practices

Abstract

Maritime pollution is a significant concern to Pakistan's maritime zones, adversely impacting both the marine habitat and human well-being. The pollution in Pakistan’s oceans originates from dumping of untreated waste, oily waste, garbage, oil spills, dumping of plastics, lost or abandoned ship equipment etc resulting in destruction of marine ecosystems. Pakistan struggles with environmental degradation due to widespread pollution practices. This thesis analyses the contemporary domestic legislature associated with maritime pollution in Pakistan along with examining challenges and puts forward recommendations for countering its adverse effects. It discusses the approaches used by countries like Norway, Denmark, Singapore, Netherlands, Canada and how these can be implemented within Pakistan. In order to mitigate the issues arising from maritime pollution, this research proposes the use of legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, technological advancements and compliance with international standards.