PM urges cut in plastic use on Earth Day

Pakistan, along with nations worldwide, observed International Earth Day on Monday, focusing on the theme 'Planet vs Plastics' to raise awareness about plastic usage, its environmental impacts, and the imperative to reduce dependency, aiming for a plastic-free Earth.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion, appealed to the nation to reduce the use of plastics, embrace recycling and eco-friendly alternatives and advocate for stronger environmental policies at every level of society.

“We have initiated an exhaustive consultative process with the ministries, provincial environment departments, ICT administration, industries and other relevant stakeholders for developing Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023,” he said.

He said that the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in the federal ministries and divisions had been restricted. “These initiatives underscore our commitment towards promoting a sustainable circular economy for plastics by reducing waste, consumption, and encouraging reuse and recycling.”

The prime minister noted that Pakistan was among one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, yet “there is little awareness about the risks of climate change that threaten the development, the well-being and economic-security of our citizens”.

He said the effects of climate change had exacerbated over the years, which “puts us at an even greater economic and physical risk”. He underscored the urgency of taking bold and decisive steps to confront these challenges and build resilience in the face of adversity.