PESHAWAR: Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Dr Imran Hamid Shaikh on Tuesday banned the use of plastic shopping bags in megamalls and medical stores.

Through an executive order, the deputy commissioner set a deadline for them to dispose of their present stocks within seven and 15 days, respectively, according to a statement issued here.

Mr Shaikh has directed the megamalls to use biodegradable plastic bags while medical stores to use paper bags in the larger public interest.

“The shopping bags mainly contribute to choking of drains, resulting in poor sanitation and water-borne diseases,” reads the order.

The order was issued in light of the provincial government’s instructions to the district administrations to take steps to stop usage of plastic bags in their respective districts.

Talking to Dawn, the deputy commissioner said in the first phase a ban had been imposed on the use of plastic bags in the shopping malls and medical stores. In the second phase, it would be applied on the grocery and fruit shops, he added.

Asked about any punishment over violation of the executive order, the DC said warnings would be issued to them after expiry of the deadlines.

After warning, he said, the available stocks of the shopping bags would be confiscated to be followed by the section 144 of the CrPC.

“I hope there would be no issue in the implementation of the ban as I have already consulted with the traders’ community of the city,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2019