Sunday Jun 04, 2023
Stakeholders called for a renewed commitment to the fight against plastic pollution.
The Prime Minister reiterates Pakistan's unwavering commitment to combating plastic pollution.
PM Shehbaz directed PM House to stop using single-use plastics.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday emphasized the urgent need to fight plastic pollution under the global theme of 'Combating Plastic Pollution'.
In a message on the occasion of World Environment Day, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan's unwavering commitment to fight plastic pollution and embark on a journey of plastic reduction.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said his government has taken several steps to put the country on the path to sustainable use of resources.
The government has prioritized the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives and is actively working on the Plastics Ban Ordinance 2023 for the Capital Territory of Islamabad. This regulation sets out a comprehensive framework and timetable for phasing out single-use plastics, while also leading the way in a plan to reduce and eventually ban the use of single-use plastics across the federal government.
In a demonstration of the federal government's commitment to reducing plastic waste in Pakistan, the Prime Minister directed the House of Prime Ministers to end the use of single-use plastics, which, like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination, will lead to a phase-out and reduction. the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in federal departments, divisions across the region.
The government thus aims to create a sustainable and responsible approach to the use of plastics and waste management, to ensure the protection of the environment and the well-being of future generations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz acknowledged that Pakistan has actively participated in key discussions at the international and national levels to create a comprehensive, legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, with a target date of 2024.
The Government of Pakistan recognizes the importance of ensuring inclusiveness and equity in the agreement and emphasizes the need for the agreement to prioritize leaving no one behind.
The Prime Minister also called on all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organizations and the media, to renew their commitment to fighting plastic pollution and preserving the planet's biodiversity for future generations.
He stressed the importance of empowering local communities, supporting recycling initiatives and promoting a circular economy that minimizes plastic waste.
