Govt to Eliminate Plastic Use in Islamabad by Year-End

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has announced a bold initiative to make Islamabad plastic-free by December 31, 2023.

This commitment aims to ban all types of plastic bags and products in the capital as part of a broader environmental strategy.

Chaudhry emphasized that the ban will encompass both thick and thin plastic bags, shopping bags with handles, plastic water bottles, and other plastic items.

He stated that the government is actively working on arrangements to ensure the removal of these products from the city by the set deadline.

The minister highlighted that many of the plastic bags entering Pakistan are imported from Iran, where they are sold at low prices as petroleum by-products.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste in Islamabad, addressing environmental concerns that have plagued the city.

Despite a previous ban on single-use plastic bags implemented on August 14, 2019, enforcement has been inconsistent, with many vendors still using these bags.

The government’s renewed commitment reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices among citizens and businesses alike.

Looking ahead, the government has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to cease the auctioning of harmful plastic products.

As the December deadline approaches, further measures and public awareness campaigns are anticipated to ensure compliance and promote eco-friendly alternatives.