Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Sunday the prohibition of plastic production, distribution, and trade across the province starting June 5, citing plastic as a source of cancer and other fatal diseases.
In her statement, Marriyum emphasized the detrimental impact of plastic use on environmental pollution and declared a crackdown on factories producing illegal plastic products, scheduled to commence on June 5.
These measures align with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s directive to initiate a “No to Plastic” campaign, which includes strict restrictions on providing food in plastic bags at hotels and eateries.
The Punjab government has reportedly finalized arrangements to ensure the effective implementation of the plastic ban strategy.
Prior to Earth Day 2024, on April 19, the Punjab government had decided to launch various environmentally friendly initiatives in the province, with one being the comprehensive ban on plastic bag usage, set to take effect from June 5.
During a review meeting led by the CM Punjab in April, Marriyum emphasized the campaign’s goal of raising public awareness about the serious health risks associated with plastic pollution.
She underscored the urgency of prohibiting the production, distribution, and usage of polythene bags, citing their adverse environmental effects and contribution to respiratory ailments and other life-threatening conditions.
