Capital steps up crackdown on plastic bags

Islamabad's district administration has intensified its crackdown against the use of polythene bags, resulting in 122 arrests, the seizure of 293 kilograms of plastic bags, and the sealing of 7 shops during a citywide enforcement campaign.

The action is being carried out under the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations 2023 to ensure strict implementation of the ban on polythene bags in the federal capital.

According to the district administration, the use, sale, and distribution of polythene bags are completely banned in Islamabad. Authorities have launched large-scale operations and legal action against those violating the ban.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said the objective of the ban is to reduce environmental pollution and protect the natural environment. He stated that plastic bags cause long-term pollution on land, in waterways, and across urban areas. He added that discarded plastic bags also contribute to blocked drains and create sanitation challenges.

The deputy commissioner said that ending the use of plastic bags is a shared responsibility for maintaining a clean and green Islamabad. He appealed to shopkeepers to stop selling and providing polythene bags and instead adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.

The district administration continued its anti-polythene campaign for a second consecutive day. During the operations, Assistant Commissioners conducted inspections in different areas and confiscated 293 kilograms of plastic bags. Authorities also sealed 7 shops for repeatedly violating the ban.

Enforcement actions were carried out across multiple subdivisions of Islamabad. Nilore Assistant Commissioner arrested 15 individuals, while Assistant Commissioner Rural arrested 22 people for violating the ban.