• Pakistan produces 55bn plastic bags annually, with 15pc annual increase rate, moot told
• Speakers urge provincial govts to launch public campaigns for environmental awareness
• Sindh set to impose ban on plastic bags from June 15

KARACHI: Environment experts have called upon the provincial governments to launch environmental awareness campaigns across the country to encourage the public to adopt nature-friendly alternatives to plastic shopping bags and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and promote reuse and recycling of waste.

A programme was organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FPCCI) Central Standing Committees on Environment and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at its head office on Wednesday in connection with World Environment Day. The United Nations has designated this year’s theme as “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

The speakers were of the opinion that the government-imposed bans on plastic bags could only be effectively implemented if incentives are provided to manufacturers for transition towards environment-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable carrier bags.

They noted that the industry would stop manufacturing single-use plastic bags if there was no market demand for their production.

Participants recalled the earlier failure of Islamabad’s administration to enforce a plastic bag ban despite the capital’s smaller size compared to Karachi, due to the lack of engagement with both retailers and consumers in the environmental campaign.

The speakers disclosed that Pakistan produces 55 billion plastic bags annually with a 15 per cent annual increase rate. Plastic waste accounts for over 60pc of total urban waste generated in the country, a major cause of environmental degradation.

A study conducted along Karachi’s coastline, they said, detected significant microplastic contamination in marine sediments.

Imran Sabir, director of the Natural Resources at the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa), informed the audience that a province-wide ban on plastic shopping and carrier bags would come into effect in Sindh from June 15, following a decision by the provincial cabinet.

He clarified that plastic bags used for wrapping industrial goods, food items, agricultural produce and merchandise would remain exempted from the forthcoming ban. This exemption, he said, was intended to ensure continued functionality in essential sectors while discouraging non-essential single-use plastics.

Several speakers stressed that simply banning plastic bags was not enough—government authorities must ensure the availability and affordability of eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable, cloth, or jute bags, through public-private partnerships. Moreover, technical and financial support should be provided to local manufacturers to retool their operations for producing sustainable products. Without practical, affordable alternatives, both consumers and shopkeepers may face challenges in adhering to the new policies.

Zainab Naeem, research fellow at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), called on the government to support start-ups and small medium enterprises offering eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products. She encouraged consumers to actively choose items made from recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of their consumption. She highlighted that Pakistan generated over two million tonnes of plastic waste annually, making its collection, safe disposal and recycling a formidable challenge.

At another programme jointly organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Karachi University (KU) and Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa), provincial secretary for environment, climate change, and coastal development Agha Shahnawaz Khan shared that the government was set to launch a crackdown on plastic bags in major cities from June 15.

He mentioned that plastic pollution was a global environmental challenge and that 11 million tonnes of plastic waste polluted our land, water and food supply every year.

“We must adopt a circular economy and encourage eco-friendly alternatives. We need to have collective efforts to eliminate plastic bags and protect future generations from environmental hazards,” he said.

KU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi noted that 98pc of plastic bags being used were non-biodegradable and non-recyclable, posing serious environmental risks. He stressed the importance of eliminating access to plastic bags at stores and markets, promoting awareness about their harmful effects, and ensuring the availability of alternatives.

Director General Sepa Waqar Hussain Phulpoto stated that Sepa was actively promoting the “No Plastic Carrier Bags” policy and urged all sectors to collaborate in making Sindh cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2025