QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, demanding an immediate ban on the use of polythene bags for carrying edible items.

Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information Sardar Raza Mohammad Bareach presented the resolution during a session of the assembly which continued till late on Saturday. Speaker Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani presided over the session.

Speaking on the resolution, Mr Bareach said that plastic bags, bottles and other disposable stuff were being used for edible items on a large scale in the province. He said chemicals were used in the manufacturing of such plastic items and research had proved that they were very dangerous for health. The large number of these used plastic bags was also badly affecting the environment, he added.

The adviser said the sale of substandard soft drinks in plastic bottles often caused health issues.

Deputy Opposition Leader Engineer Zamarak Khan Piralizai of Awami National Party strongly supported the resolution and said the government should immediately impose a ban on the use of polythene bags and plastic bottles for edible items. He was of the view that without imposing a ban the practice of using plastic bags for carrying edible items could not be stopped.

Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetiran of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) also supported the resolution and said plastic items were affecting the health of people.

Health Minister Rehman Saleh Baloch, while supporting the move, said that the world wanted Pakistan to fulfil its responsibility in protecting the environment. He said the government would take whatever measures were required for protecting the environment.

Provincial Minister Dr Hamid Khan Achakzai talked about the danger of the use of utensils made of plastic.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2017