Pakistan accelerates enforcement of single-use plastic ban in Islamabad

PAKISTAN – The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, in collaboration with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), has intensified enforcement of the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023, in a decisive move to curb plastic pollution.

The crackdown forms part of a broader national campaign to phase out environmentally harmful plastic products and promote sustainable alternatives.

Targeting the heart of the capital, inspection teams are carrying out rigorous checks in key commercial zones, including markets, bakeries, hotels, and plastic suppliers.

These inspection drives aim to ensure compliance with the sweeping ban on single-use plastics—particularly polythene bags, which are widely used and often improperly disposed of.

Offenders face confiscation of banned items and monetary penalties, with recent raids yielding significant seizures and fines.

The 2023 regulations represent a comprehensive framework prohibiting the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, and usage of single-use plastic items.

These include not only polythene bags but also disposable beverage containers and packaging materials, which are among the most common pollutants in Pakistan’s urban landscape.

Authorities believe that strict enforcement, paired with public awareness, is essential to safeguarding the environment and public health.

According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, this intensified enforcement drive is part of a larger, phased approach to eliminate plastic waste across the country.

In June 2024, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, called on all provinces to adopt the stringent plastic ban policies of Punjab province—a move intended to harmonize environmental regulations and push Pakistan towards becoming a plastic-free nation.

In parallel with government-led initiatives, the private sector has also begun to support the transition away from single-use plastics.

Notably, in July 2024, Shell Pakistan unveiled the country’s first retail fuel station constructed with recycled plastic—the Malik Service Station in Karachi.

This landmark project is seen as a step forward in promoting circular economy practices and reducing the environmental footprint of commercial infrastructure.

The Islamabad enforcement drive sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to climate action.

It also signals the beginning of more robust nationwide efforts to address plastic waste through legislation, education, and innovation.

As implementation intensifies, the success of these efforts will depend on continued collaboration between authorities, businesses, and citizens in embracing sustainable alternatives.

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