The Punjab Environment Protection Department has significantly escalated its efforts to combat illegal plastic usage, having confiscated 40 tons of plastic since June 2024.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to enforce a strict ban on plastic across the province, as reported by Radio Pakistan on January 3, 2025.
Starting January 1, 2025, unregistered plastic manufacturers will face strict penalties as part of new regulations aimed at regulating the plastic industry and ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
Pakistan generates over 3.9 million tons of plastic annually, with a large portion improperly managed. Punjab alone accounted for more than half of the country’s total plastic consumption in June 2024, although specific data on plastic bag production remains unavailable.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the seized plastic will be repurposed for projects such as creating chairs for primary school children in Lahore and Faisalabad. Additionally, a play area constructed from recycled plastic has been completed in Lahore’s Model Bazaar, with benches and chairs provided to government offices and hospitals.
The crackdown includes imposing fines of up to Rs50,000 on violators, sealing non-compliant premises, and promoting sustainable alternatives. District Plastic Management Committees have been established to oversee enforcement and encourage the use of reusable materials.
Previous initiatives, such as the Plastic-Free Pakistan Campaign launched in 2019, faced difficulties due to limited enforcement and a lack of alternatives. However, this current strategy appears more systematic and comprehensive.
This intensified crackdown reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices within the province.