Plastic wasteland

Pakistan's plastic problem has crossed a critical threshold — one that threatens both environmental integrity and public health. With nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, and a staggering 86% of it mismanaged, the country is teetering on the edge of an environmental crisis of its own making. According to WWF-Pakistan, over 1.7 million tonnes of this waste ends up in landfills, open dumps, waterways, and, increasingly, in the very food systems meant to nourish human life.

This unchecked surge in plastic pollution places Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting nations globally — a dubious distinction that reflects not just a waste management failure but a broader policy and behavioural crisis. The proliferation of single-use plastics is emblematic of a culture addicted to convenience, yet blind to consequence. These items, designed for moments of use, linger in ecosystems for centuries, leaching toxins into our soil and water.

Pakistan is also among the worst in South Asia when it comes to plastic mismanagement, placing tremendous strain on already overburdened urban waste systems. The long-term consequences of such exposure are still unfolding, but the immediate need for action is undeniable. It is imperative for federal and provincial governments to move beyond token bans on plastic bags and adopt an integrated national plastic action plan. This must include strict regulation of SUPs, investment in recycling infrastructure, incentivising alternatives and public education campaigns to change consumption patterns. At the same time, the private sector must take responsibility for the lifecycle of its products.

Plastic waste is a direct symptom of systemic neglect and a threat to our collective future. Without coordinated and sustained action, Pakistan risks suffocating under the weight of its own waste.