Sindh to ban plastic bags starting June 15

In a decisive step against environmental pollution, the Sindh government has officially banned all types of plastic shopping bags across the province.

The decision, announced via a formal notification from the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Coastal Development, will take effect from June 15, 2025.

The ban covers all categories of plastic bags, including non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-coloured, and recycled plastic bags. It marks a significant update to the 2014 “Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products Rules,” which have now been amended to implement this complete prohibition.

The decision was unanimously approved by the provincial cabinet in its meeting held on April 15, 2025, following recommendations from the Environment Department.

Previously, in 2019, the government had imposed a partial ban, allowing plastic bags of a specific weight and size. That conditional allowance has now been revoked entirely.

Sindh’s Environment Secretary Agha Shahnawaz Khan stated, “Plastic bags are enemies of the environment. This historic step is in the public interest. We aim to ensure a clean, green, and safe future for coming generations. The time has come to get rid of plastic permanently.”

He made it clear that violations will lead to strict legal consequences, and no leniency will be shown.

Environmentalists, civil society members, and residents widely welcomed the step, calling it “historic.” The Environment Department has also urged district administrations, industrialists, traders, and citizens to play an active role in this national cause.