Untreated waste discharged from 537 locations in Sindh termed serious health threat

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KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar said that untreated industrial, medical and municipal waste discharged from 537 locations across Sindh is posing serious threats to the environment, aquatic ecosystems and public health in the province. Addressing the seminar titled ‘Climate Resilience and Management of Water-Dependent Ecosystems in Sindh’ organised by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Sindh, former Supreme Court judge Justice Amir Hani Muslim highlighted shortcomings in wastewater treatment and environmental regulation. Referring to Karachi’s wastewater infrastructure, he said only one of the city’s four treatment plants was partially functional. He 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, who also once headed a Supreme Court-formed water commission, expressed concerns over the disposal of hazardous medical waste, saying that the lack of functional incinerators in major hospitals had resulted in such waste being mixed with ordinary municipal garbage. Ex-SC judge raises concerns over use of funds allocated for treatment plant near Mauripur 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. Retired Justice Amir Hani Muslim also stressed the importance of public awareness and tree plantation in protecting the environment and maintaining ecological balance and urged 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 of PRCS-Sindh Kanwar Waseem in his welcome remarks, 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. The participants called for practical measures to control pollution, conserve water resources and promote sustainable environmental management across Sindh. Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026

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