KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Monday hinted at imposing a complete ban on all types of plastic bags, or polythene bags.

Calling the bags a threat to the environment, he said it was crucial to ban their use through effective legislation.

The mayor shared his thoughts during a meeting with Environment Secretary Nabila Umer and Sindh Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) chief Naeem Mughal.

Both sides held a detailed discussion regarding the damage caused by the plastic bags to urban infrastructure.

He said that every year the civil authorities had to spend millions of rupees to remove plastic bags from storm water drains, manholes and gutters.

“It has been decided to enact legislation at the provincial level to ban the use and sale of all types of plastic bags within the limits of Karachi,” the mayor said, according to a statement issued after the meeting.

“Steps are being taken to improve the sewerage and sanitation system in Karachi and to facilitate the citizens,” said the mayor.

He said that the government was considering the ban in Karachi in view of its positive impact in Islama­bad and some other cities.

The mayor said that citizens, especially the business community, should be informed about the positive impacts of the ban so that all stakeholders could work together to make progress in this regard.

He said that civic bodies would fulfil their responsibilities and take all necessary steps to protect Karachi from environmental degradation.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2024