ISLAMABAD: The ban on the production and trade of plastic bags in Pakistan’s largest Punjab province came into effect today, Wednesday, the provincial government announced as millions mark World Environment Day across the globe. 

The production of plastic bags adversely affects human health, ecosystems and wildlife. Made from polyethylene, a type of non-biodegradable material, plastic bags remain in the environment for hundreds of years and never decompose fully. 

The carbon-intensive production of plastics has been on pace to emit more greenhouse gases than coal-fired power plants across the world, with the global plastic industry releasing at least 232 million tons of these gases annually. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere of the earth and in turn contribute to global warming and exacerbate climate change, leading to devastating impacts around the world.
Pakistan’s Punjab government announced last week its decision to ban the production, distribution and sale of plastic bags from June 5. 

“From today, the use, production, sale and trade of plastic has been banned,” the Punjab government wrote on social media platform X. 

“The aim behind the ‘No To Plastic’ campaign is to decrease environmental pollution and promote pro-environment steps.”

In a statement last week, the provincial government’s spokesperson said hotels, restaurants and other food joints would be strictly prohibited from giving customers food in plastic bags from June 5. 

“A crackdown will also be launched against factories manufacturing illegal plastic products,” the spokesperson said. The government has warned those violating the ban that they will face action and heavy fines. 

Pakistan, which ranks among countries most vulnerable to climate change, has witnessed untimely downpours, deadly floods, heat waves and droughts in recent years, which experts have attributed to climate change effects.
The South Asian country of more than 241 million people last week witnessed an intense heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 52 degrees Celsius (126°F) in parts of the country.