ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination has informed the National Assembly that studies and surveys estimate Pakistan generates 3.9 million tons of plastic waste annually, of which only 4-9 percent is recycled.
In a written reply to a question raised by Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, the ministry stated that most plastic waste ends up in dumping sites, municipal landfills, water channels, and sewer drains, thereby causing severe environmental pollution.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has formulated the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations 2023, which have been in effect in Islamabad since July 2023.
The ministry said that there was no manufacturing facility for plastic bags in Islamabad; however, such facilities are located in the provinces. Through established distribution networks, plastic bags are easily supplied to markets in the federal capital.
Improper management — including the generation, distribution, and use of single-use plastic items, as well as segregation, dumping, collection, and recycling — remains a major challenge. Another significant issue is preventing the entry of plastic bags and other single-use plastic items from the provinces into Islamabad.
The ministry pointed out that there is no consistency in existing bans on plastic bags and related products across the country. Each province has its own regulations on plastic pollution. The main challenges include: Lack of coordination among government organizations, producers, and consumers; improper management of plastic waste; unchecked entry of plastic bags from provinces into Islamabad; lack of economical and sustainable alternatives; and absence of a specific import policy regarding polymers used in plastic products.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Pak-EPA, in collaboration with the CDA, ICT administration, private sector, and civil society organisations, are finalising plans to regulate and formalise the informal recycling sector. This includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and recognising the role of waste pickers in plastic waste management.
The ministry further observed that plastic waste causes degradation of agricultural land and long-term soil contamination, preventing plants from properly absorbing nutrients and hindering their growth. Its accumulation in agricultural areas harms soil health, disrupts ecosystems, and poses a growing challenge to sustainable farming.
Plastic waste also clogs irrigation systems — such as rivers, canals, streams, and pipelines — thereby obstructing water flow and reducing the efficiency of irrigation networks.