Pakistan has taken a decisive step forward in its commitment to environmental sustainability with the implementation of the Single

By Czechangez Khan Jadoon.

Islamabad: Pakistan has taken a decisive step forward in its commitment to environmental sustainability with the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023 chaired by Ms. Romina Khursheed Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination. These Regulations represent a bold initiative to address the urgent threat of plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels globally, with annual production surpassing 459.75 million tons, and cumulative production totaling 9.5 billion tons by 2019. In Pakistan alone, 3.3 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually, equivalent to the height of two K2 Mountains.Recognizing the urgent need for action, 175 nations came together at the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2022 to develop a binding international agreement to end plastic pollution by 2024. Under the leadership of Ms. Romina Khursheed Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination spearheaded the development of the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023. The Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic items, with a particular focus on reducing plastic litter and promoting responsible consumer behavior. Ms. Romina emphasized the critical role of producers, importers, distributors, suppliers, and beverage manufacturers in implementing awareness-raising measures outlined in Section 12 of the law. These measures include incentivizing responsible consumer behavior, promoting reusable alternatives, and educating consumers about the impacts of plastic littering. Producers and manufacturers are directed to obey the law and follow the Regulations. The members of Collect and Recycle Alliance (CoRe) members are directed to take proactive steps through social media strategies, collection and recycling points and follow-up meetings for effective implementation of these Regulations.
During a recent meeting chaired by Ms. Romina, key stakeholders including the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) presented strategies for enforcing the regulations. Ms Farzana Altaf Shah, Director General (Pak-EPA) along with Dr. Zaigham Abbas, Director Lab/NEQS, underscored the importance of collaboration to ensure compliance and mitigate plastic pollution’s adverse effects. The Pak-EPA has already tasked the schedule and enforcements teams for the implementation of the Single-Use Plastic (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023 with the collaboration and support of ICT administration. The Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023 mark a significant milestone in Pakistan’s commitment to environmental sustainability. By adopting comprehensive measures to tackle plastic pollution, Pakistan reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding the health of its citizens and preserving its natural heritage for future generations.