Govt's ban on plastic bags goes unnoticed

The use and sale of plastic shopping bags continue unabated across Hyderabad despite a province-wide ban imposed by the Sindh government from June 15. Banned plastic bags are still being used openly at grocery stores, general shops, and franchise outlets.

The Sindh government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of all types of plastic shopping bags including non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-coloured, and recycled bags in an effort to reduce environmental pollution and drainage blockages. A formal notification has also directed strict enforcement and legal action against violators. However, even after more than two weeks, implementation on the ground remains ineffective.

Hyderabad DC Zain-ul-Abideen Memon, issued directives on June 19 to all assistant commissioners in the district to fully cooperate with the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to ensure enforcement of the ban.

Additional Deputy Commissioner-II Saba Israr also sent a letter to the director information, urging public awareness campaign advising citizens to avoid use of plastic bags and use cloth or paper bags instead.

SEPA Regional Director Hyderabad, Imran Ali Abbasi, has claimed that the sale of plastic bag at the wholesale level has been halted and the local authorities have been directed to curb their usage at retail shops. He added that SEPA teams are actively visiting markets, issuing notices to shopkeepers, and distributing pamphlets to spread awareness.

Reports indicate that Hyderabad has 107 wholesale plastic bag shops, including 65 in Tower Market, nine in Qasimabad, six in Faqir Ka Pir, 10 in Latifabad, two in Preetabad, and 15 in Tando Jam.

This is not the first time such a ban has been introduced. In March 2018, the Sindh govt enforced Section 144 to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of plastic bags. Later, in November 2018, a phased ban was approved by the provincial cabinet. The latest ban, which came into effect on June 15, 2025, marks the third such attempt, yet meaningful implementation remains elusive.