LAHORE: The Punjab government has told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the proposed amendments to the law to control manufacturing, import and use of polythene bags have not been finalised so far.

Justice Jawad Hassan was hearing a public interest petition challenging legality of Section 3 of Punjab Prohibition on Manufacture, Use, Sale and Import of Polythene Bags Ordinance 2002, which allows manufacturing, sale and use of polythene bags below 15 microns thickness. Sanita Gulzar moved the petition through a legal panel led by Advocate Abuzar Salman Niazi.

The lawyer contended that the use of plastic bags had been banned all over the world and the LHC in another case had already ordered the government to enact legislation on the use of plastic bags and their manufacturing. He stated the previous directions had not been implemented by the authorities and the rampant use of polythene bags was creating adverse effects to environment and endangering lives of citizens.

The counsel argued that the use of 15 microns thickness was an environmental disaster; even in third world countries the minimum thickness allowed was 50 microns (which was relatively less hazardous for environment).

He pointed out that the first country to ban single-use plastic bags was Bangladesh in 2002 when plastic bags clogged the sewerage system and contributed to destructive floods. He asked the court to direct the provincial government to enact a new law completely banning manufacturing, use, sale, storage, import and marketing of polythene bags and styrofoam products — particularly single-use plastics.

On the court’s call, Assistant Advocate General Rai Shahid Saleem appeared and stated that the environment protection department had already proposed amendments to sections 2 and 3 of the ordinance but they were yet to be finalised.

He said the issue raised in the petition was an international issue as up to 10 million plastic bags were used every minute in the world.

The judge observed that the contention raised in the petition needed serious consideration, therefore, he directed the government to submit a report by June 12.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2019