ISLAMABAD, May 29 (APP): The government is considering a
proposal to declare Astola island in Balochistan a protected
marine area, the first of its kind in the country.
According to official sources, the proposal will be put
before the Cabinet for approval.
Administratively, the island is part of the Pasni
sub-district of Gwadar District in Balochistan province.
Astola Island, also known as Jezira Haft Tala Satadip or
‘Island of the Seven Hills’, is a small uninhabited Pakistani
island in the Arabian Sea, approximately 25 km (16 mile) south
of the nearest part of the coast and 39 km (24 mile) southeast
of the fishing port of Pasni.
The island is a wonder of nature with crystal clear water,
pristine beaches, unique rock formations and exotic turtles and
other rare species.
Vegetation on the island is sparse and largely consists of
scrubs and large bushes. There are no trees on the island. The
largest shrub on the island is Prosopis juliflora, which was
introduced into South Asia in 1877 from South America. There is no
source of fresh water on the island and the vegetation depends on
occasional rainfall and soil moisture for survival. Astola is also
home to coral reef.
In 1982, the Government of Pakistan installed a lighthouse on
the island for the safety of passing vessels, which was replaced by
a solar-powered one in 1987.
Astola is Pakistan’s largest offshore island at approximately
6.7 km (4.2 mile) long with a maximum width of 2.3 km (1.4 mile) and
an area of approximately 6.7 km2 (2.6 sq mile).
The highest point is 246 ft (75 mile) above sea level. The
island can be accessed by motorized boats from Pasni, with a journey
time of about five hours to reach the island.