KARACHI, October 22, 2026: Untreated industrial, medical and municipal waste discharged from 537 locations across Sindh is posing serious risks to the environment, aquatic ecosystems and public health, former Supreme Court of Pakistan judge Justice (R) Amir Hani Muslim said at a policy dialogue organised by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sindh Branch.
The dialogue, titled “Climate Resilience and Management of Water-Dependent Ecosystems in Sindh,” focused on Chapter 5 of the Sindh Water Policy 2023 and discussed ecosystem conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable water management and the challenges of implementing environmental policies.
Addressing the gathering as special chief guest, Justice (R) Amir Hani Muslim highlighted serious shortcomings in wastewater treatment and environmental regulation. He said industrial, medical and municipal waste from 537 locations across Sindh was being discharged into rivers, canals and the sea without adequate treatment.
Referring to Karachi’s wastewater infrastructure, he said only one of the city’s four treatment plants was partially functional. He also raised concerns about the use of funds allocated for a treatment plant near Mauripur, stressing the need for effective project oversight and accountability.
The former judge expressed concern over the disposal of hazardous medical waste, including human organs, saying that the lack of functional incinerators in major hospitals had resulted in such waste being mixed with ordinary municipal garbage.
He called for strict enforcement of environmental laws, effective action against industries discharging untreated waste, and the installation of mandatory effluent treatment facilities in factories. He emphasised that policies alone could not resolve the environmental crisis without practical implementation, monitoring and accountability.
Justice (R) Amir Hani Muslim also stressed the importance of public awareness and tree plantation in protecting the environment and maintaining ecological balance, urging individuals and institutions to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
PRCS Sindh Branch Chairman Rehan Hashmi said the protection of water-dependent ecosystems was essential for strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable water resource management and safeguarding vulnerable communities from climate-related risks. He underscored the need for coordinated efforts and effective strategies to address environmental challenges.
Provincial Secretary PRCS-Sindh Kanwar Waseem welcomed the distinguished guests at the event. In his welcome remarks, he highlighted the importance of bringing together experts, institutions and stakeholders to address environmental challenges through coordinated action, effective policymaking and practical implementation.
Other speakers included Brig. Dr. Nasim, President of the Pakistan Academy of Engineering and Advisor for SIFC Karachi; Nouman Saigal, former Provincial Minister for Environment and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Climate Change at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI); and Emilio Teijeira, Regional Head of the German Red Cross (GRC), Asia Pacific.
The speakers highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in strengthening environmental protection and addressing climate-related challenges.
The dialogue also examined implementation barriers under the Sindh Water Policy, priority actions for 2027 and beyond, and opportunities to strengthen ecosystem-based climate adaptation. Participants called for practical measures to control pollution, conserve water resources and promote sustainable environmental management across Sindh.