ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said polythene bags will completely be banned Islamabad from Aug 14.

Ms Gul was addressing an event for the ‘Plastic Bags Se Azadi’ campaign at NHA headquarters.

MNA Sumera Khan, Climate Change Senior Joint Secretary Hammad Shamimi, NHA Member (Admin) retired Capt Mushtaq Ahmed and senior NHA and communications and climate change ministry officials were also present.

Ms Gul said eliminating plastic waste is an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Clean Green Pakistan Programme.

“It is alarming that 55 billion plastic bags are being used annually in the country. That amounts to consumption of 275 bags, per person per year,” she said. She added that plastic bags not only affect the environment, but also cause flooding in cities.

She urged government organisations, civil society and the media to cooperate so the campaign is implemented effectively.

Environment-friendly bags were distributed among the participants of the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2019