In Balochistan, Pakistan’s southwestern province known for its sprawling landscapes and over 700 kilometers of coastline, plastic pollution has become a daunting challenge. Beaches like Gwadar and KundMalir, once celebrated for their pristine beauty, are now marred by discarded plastic bags, abandoned fishing nets, and other debris. According to a study by WWF, this pollution not only endangers marine life but also poses serious risks to the health of communities that rely heavily on seafood.
Fishermen in Gwadar often encounter fish ensnared in plastic nets or dead turtles washed ashore with plastic in their digestive systems. Local residents are increasingly alarmed about contaminated seafood and its impact on their health. Globally, studies reveal that 90% of seabirds and one in three marine mammals are harmed by plastic waste—whether by ingesting it or becoming entangled in it. Balochistan’s coastal ecosystems mirror this alarming global trend, with worsening repercussions for marine life and the people dependent on it.
The menace of plastic waste is not limited to environmental degradation; its impact on human health is profound. Emerging research reveals links between microplastics—tiny fragments resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items—and a host of health issues. Studies, such as one published in the “New England Journal of Medicine”, have connected microplastics in blood vessels to heightened risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other fatal conditions.
A separate study by “JAMA Network Open” found microplastics in the brains of deceased individuals from Germany and Brazil. These particles, ranging between 5.5 and 26.4 microns, were discovered in the olfactory region, responsible for the sense of smell. The presence of such pollutants highlights a growing health crisis with far-reaching implications.
Adding to the concern, researchers at the University of Technology Sydney estimate that humans inhale approximately 16.2 microplastic particles per hour. When combined with plastic consumed through food and water, the total intake is equivalent to ingesting a credit card’s worth of plastic each week.
Plastic pollution takes centuries to degrade, with plastic bags alone requiring 500 to 1,000 years to break down. Over time, sunlight and moisture fragment these materials into microplastics, which infiltrate oceans and disrupt marine ecosystems. Once ingested by microscopic marine organisms, these particles travel up the food chain, harming larger animals and, eventually, humans.
Historically, Balochistan’s coastal wetlands served as havens for migratory birds such as flamingos and pelicans traveling from Siberia. Today, these birds’ numbers are rapidly declining due to the region’s worsening plastic pollution. “Birds often mistake floating plastic for food, which leads to choking or starvation,” explains wildlife researcher Shireen Alam. Autopsies of birds and fish in Gwadar and Lasbela consistently reveal plastic debris in their digestive systems, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
Turtles, vital to marine ecosystems, face similar threats. Beaches like Ormara, Jiwani, and Pasni, which are critical nesting sites for green turtles, have become littered with plastic waste. At Daran Beach near Jiwani, conservationist Adnan Shah regularly encounters turtles trapped in fishing nets or with plastic debris in their stomachs. “Many turtles die before they can even return to the water,” he laments.
The World Wildlife Fund reports that 11 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans annually. Pakistan, which produces 250 million tons of plastic each year, is among the top eight contributors to global plastic pollution. A staggering 65% of the country’s plastic waste—amounting to 163 million tons—ends up in the sea, according to research by the University of Leeds.
The coastal communities of Balochistan, reliant on marine resources for their livelihoods, are particularly vulnerable. “Plastic waste disrupts habitats, threatens aquatic species, and contaminates the food chain,” says aquatic researcher Riaz Gul. “This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s also a public health and economic crisis for the communities living along the coast.”
Beaches in Lasbela district, including Dam Sonmiani, KundMalir, and Gadani, have also succumbed to plastic pollution. The waste not only mars the area’s natural beauty but also jeopardizes local economies tied to fishing and tourism. “Turtles, fish, and other marine creatures are dying because of the plastic thrown into the sea,” notes Shahid Khan, a social activist from Lasbela. “Everywhere you look, plastic waste is scattered along the beaches, creating an ecological disaster.”
Microplastics are now ubiquitous, infiltrating air, water, and food. Recent research highlights their potentially devastating health effects. A study from the University of California reviewed over 3,000 reports and identified microplastics as contributors to chronic inflammation in the lungs, increased risks of infertility, and the prevalence of colon cancer.
“Microplastics exacerbate the effects of air pollution, adding another layer of complexity to an already dire situation,” says Dr. Sana Yousaf, an environmental scientist. “These particles are infiltrating our systems in ways we are only beginning to understand, and the long-term consequences could be catastrophic.”
Activists and researchers are urging immediate action. Environmental scientist Dr. Naila Qasim advocates for policy reforms to curb plastic waste. “We need to impose taxes on manufacturers that fail to produce eco-friendly alternatives,” she says. “Single-use plastics must be replaced with biodegradable options to protect both marine life and human health.”
Nida Basheer, an environmental advocate, emphasizes the importance of education in combating plastic pollution. “Awareness must start in schools,” she says. “Teaching children about the dangers of plastic pollution can create long-term behavioral changes.”
Efforts are also underway to enforce the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act of 2012, which prohibits environmentally harmful activities. Deputy Director Hassan Murad of the Environmental Protection Department explains, “We’ve banned plastic bags and are ensuring that development projects comply with strict environmental guidelines. Violators are being held accountable, but the challenge remains significant.”
Addressing plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. Abid Karim, an environmental activist from Gwadar, underscores the need for grassroots efforts. “This isn’t just the government’s problem; it’s everyone’s responsibility,” he says. “Raising awareness, improving waste management, and adopting sustainable alternatives are steps we must take collectively. Collaboration with NGOs and involving youth in environmental initiatives can make a difference.”
The fight against plastic pollution in Balochistan is daunting but essential, as the health of its ecosystems, marine life, and human communities hangs in the balance.