Staff Report Islamabad
Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul Wazir on Thursday said polythene bags had become a social and environmental epidemic due to its massive use over last several years in the country.
But, now we are taking all-out measures to stem its use at all levels through punitive actions and promotion of alternative environmental-friendly bags, she told media while addressing a press conference here today.
She emphasized, “Eliminating polythene bags’ use is backbone of the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for Clean Green Pakistan so as to protect environment and public health.”
“However, we will continue to chase people involved in its use, sale, manufacturing and import and take punitive actions and impose fines on them,” she added.
The Minister also appreciated the team work of all stakeholders involving officials from the Climate Change Ministry, Pak-EPA Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration for making the capital city polythene bags free.
The Minister stated that the polythene bags ban enforcement teams, consisting of the representatives of the afore-mentioned government organizations, have so far fined dozens of violators including consumers, retailers, wholesalers and manufacturing entities during market visits and raids conducted since March 1.
“It’s really heartening that despite stiff opposition from various quarters, the enforcements teams are continuing their momentum of efforts for ridding the capital city of polythene bags,” she highlighted. The Minister also launched an android app ‘City Islamabad Application.
