Punjab plastic ban goes into effect

• Policy will be strictly enforced in hotels, restaurants, eateries.
• "It is government’s policy to ban plastic bags," says Marriyum.
• Government's move comes on World Environment Day.

LAHORE: A blanket ban on the production, distribution, and trade of plastic has been imposed in Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Tuesday.

"Today, in the first stage, a ban has been imposed on plastic bags. It is the government’s policy to ban plastic bags," the minister told an event in the provincial capital on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The minister added that the government would also take action against those burning plastic and tyres. "We also need to make amendments to the motor vehicle ordinance," the minister added.

The development comes after the provincial government in April announced imposing and termed plastic a source of cancer and other diseases.

Expressing her views on the government's decision, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the plastic ban policy will be strictly enforced, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and eateries.

Underscoring harmful effects of plastic on the environment and human health, the CM stressed that the "no to plastic" campaign is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting eco-friendly initiatives.

Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, PM Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of World Environment Day highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard and preserve our environment, not only for the well-being of people but also for the survival of the planet. 

"We can certainly make a significant impact on the health and sustainability of our environment by taking proactive steps towards endeavours to nurture and cultivate forests, revive and replenish dwindling water sources, and rehabilitate and revitalise exhausted soils," the PM said.

"Together, let us embrace this responsibility and work towards a better and sustainable future for our planet [...] the time for action is now," he added.