NEQS Director Warns of Environmental Crisis

News Desk 

Islamabad: “We must declare a war on plastic waste and take immediate action to reduce its use to safeguard our environment,” Dr Zaigham Abbas, Director of the Laboratory and National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) at the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), Ministry of Climate Change, declared.

He emphasized that “our planet’s future depends on it” and called for collective efforts to prevent a catastrophe and create a sustainable future for Pakistan.

Dr Abbas stressed the importance of reducing plastic consumption to foster a healthier ecosystem and issued a stern warning to those violating the ban on single-use plastic bags in Islamabad.

Speaking on Radio Pakistan’s program, the environmentalist highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of plastic addiction, which he believes is pushing us toward an ecological disaster.

He announced the launch of a massive public awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens about the severe impact of polythene bags on the environment and public health. This campaign seeks to reveal the harsh realities of plastic pollution, including clogged drains, wildlife endangerment, and toxic soil and water contamination.

The ministry is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the ban is enforced effectively. “We are determined to make Islamabad a plastic-free zone and will take all necessary measures to achieve this goal,” Dr Abbas said. This effort is part of the government’s strategy to reduce plastic waste nationwide.

By raising awareness and enforcing regulations, Dr Abbas believes Pakistan can mitigate the harmful effects of plastic pollution. “It is a collective responsibility of the government, citizens, and businesses to protect our environment and public health for the sake of ourselves, our children, and future generations,” he stressed.

In response to a query, he clarified that violators of the plastic bag ban will face swift and severe consequences. “We will not tolerate any non-compliance and will deal with violators strictly under the law,” he warned.

“Our goal is to make Islamabad a plastic-free zone. We urge citizens to cooperate and switch to eco-friendly alternatives to avoid facing the consequences.”

Dr Abbas also highlighted the connection between plastic waste and urban flooding. “The rampant use of plastic bags and other non-biodegradable materials contributes significantly to urban flooding,” he said.

“When plastic waste clogs our drains and sewage systems, it obstructs the free flow of water, leading to flash flooding and destruction.”

He pointed out that plastic bags and other debris accumulate in storm-water drains, causing them to overflow and inundate cities.

“The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching, from damaging infrastructure and property to threatening human life and public health,” he added.

“It is imperative that we address this critical issue by reducing plastic use, increasing recycling, and promoting sustainable practices.”

Dr Abbas also appealed to citizens to refrain from burning plastic materials. “Burning plastic waste is a hazardous practice that releases toxic chemicals into the air, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife,” he warned.

Additionally, he cautioned against using plastic in cooking pots, describing it as a “ticking time bomb” for health. “When heated, plastic releases toxic chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS, which can leach into food and cause a range of health problems, including cancer,” he said.