This claim was made by Pakistan Boat Rally and Fishing Association (PBRFA).

Spotted by the Pakistani diver, the whale shark is scientifically named Rhincodon typus, and listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Over the past 75 years, the global population has decreased by more than 50 per cent due to threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change.

The whale sharks are slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet sharks and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8 m (61.7 ft). The whale shark holds many records for size in the animal kingdom, most notably being by far the most massive living non-cetacean animal.

Whale sharks inhabit the open waters of all tropical oceans. Their lifespans are estimated to be between 80 and 130 years. They feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes and pose no threat to humans.

Despite their imposing size, whale sharks are filter-feeders, meaning they pose no threat to humans. They glide through warm tropical waters, filtering out tiny organisms from the water through their mesh-like gills.

The association reported that divers including Manan Sheikh, Faazil Tapal, Rayan Maker, Arslan Khan, and Mikaeel Ali Habib, had an unforgettable encounter with the whale shark.

The PBRFA said, "They spent nearly 20 minutes swimming alongside this majestic creature. With only an estimated 150,000 whale sharks remaining globally, this sighting underscores the critical importance of marine conservation."

PBRFA President Ahmed Mamoor Amimi hailed the sighting as a "gift to all Pakistanis," highlighting the significance of preserving the nation s marine environment. He praised Manan Sheikh for capturing the remarkable footage and sharing it with the public.