Usage of Single-use plastic bags in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) might be prohibited from 14 August 2019 said, Zartaj Gul Minister for Climate Change.
To endorse this action statutory notification (SRO) is being drafted to accommodate under Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 said, Minister.
It was also informed by Zartaj that excessive use of plastic bags has been discouraged by her ministry in government departments, this includes use of single time usable polythene bags and PET bottles. As per reports, 50 billion plastic bags per year are used in Pakistan.
Cotton bags have been dispersed by ministry among its officials, parliamentarians and media personnel as an alternative to plastic bags. So far 5000 cotton bags have been distributed.
On the hazards of single-use plastic bags, an awareness campaign will also be launched and cotton bags will be distributed free of cost at Jummah and Itwaar Bazaars.
