KARACHI: The Sindh government on Monday imposed a complete ban on all types of plastic shopping bags across the province, effective from June 15.

According to a notification issued by the environment, climate change and coastal development department, the manufacturing, storage, sale and use of all plastic shopping bags will be strictly prohibited across the province from June 15, 2025.

The ban will apply to non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-coloured and recycled plastic bags as well.

The provincial cabinet had unanimously approved the proposal during its meeting on April 15, 2025, following recommendations by the environment department.

Subsequently, the provincial government amended the Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products (manufacturing, sale and usage) Rules, 2014, introducing a complete ban on all plastic shopping bags by revising Rule 3, Sub-Rule (5) and Entry No.1 of the schedule.

Previously, in 2019, the provincial government had imposed a partial ban, allowing only specific weights and sizes of plastic bags under certain conditions. However, those exemptions have now been revoked and a blanket ban is being enforced.

Environment Secretary Agha Shah Nawaz Khan said that plastic bags were hazardous to the environment and this historic decision had been taken in the public interest. “We want to provide a clean, green, and safe environment for future generations — the time has come to permanently get rid of plastic,” he said.

He warned that any violations of the ban would lead to strict legal action with no leniency.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2025