The Sindh government has once again decided to impose a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of plastic bags across the province, citing growing environmental and urban concerns.
According to a statement issued by the Sindh Environment Department, violators of the ban will face strict legal action, including prosecution, arrests, and punishment. The department warned that the use of plastic bags will become a punishable offense following formal approval by the Sindh cabinet.
The Sindh chief minister has summoned a meeting of the provincial cabinet on April 15, where the final approval of the plastic ban is expected to be granted.
Officials noted that plastic bags are a major contributor to marine pollution, damaging the coastal ecosystem, and are also responsible for clogging Karachi’s sewerage system, which leads to urban flooding and sanitation issues.
“The use of plastic bags is not only harming marine life but also making life difficult for people living in urban areas due to sewer blockages,” said a spokesperson from the Environment Department.
The Sindh government has previously made efforts to curb plastic usage, but lack of enforcement led to the re-emergence of plastic bags in the market. This time, however, the authorities have vowed strict implementation of the ban with legal consequences for those found guilty of violation.
