Sindh to ban plastic bags starting June 15
Listen to article
In a decisive step against environmental pollution, the Sindh government has officially banned all types of plastic shopping bags across the province.
The decision, announced via a formal notification from the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Coastal Development, will take effect from June 15, 2025.
The ban covers all categories of plastic bags, including non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-coloured, and recycled plastic bags. It marks a significant update to the 2014 'Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products Rules,' which have now been amended to implement this complete prohibition.
The decision was unanimously approved by the provincial cabinet in its meeting held on April 15, 2025, following recommendations from the Environment Department.
Previously, in 2019, the government had imposed a partial ban, allowing plastic bags of a specific weight and size. That conditional allowance has now been revoked entirely.
Sindh's Environment Secretary Agha Shahnawaz Khan stated, 'Plastic bags are enemies of the environment. This historic step is in the public interest. We aim to ensure a clean, green, and safe future for coming generations. The time has come to get rid of plastic permanently.'
He made it clear that violations will lead to strict legal consequences, and no leniency will be shown.
Environmentalists, civil society members, and residents widely welcomed the step, calling it 'historic.' The Environment Department has also urged district administrations, industrialists, traders, and citizens to play an active role in this national cause.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Debt management, climate funding: Malaysia's ‘green finance model' being adopted: Aurangzeb
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Friday said Pakistan is adopting the Malaysian Green Finance Model to enhance its debt management strategy and address climate change financing needs. He made these remarks while addressing a gong ceremony organized by the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) via video link from Karachi on Friday, marking the launch of the country's first-ever sovereign domestic green Sukuk. The finance minister highlighted that Pakistan stands to gain valuable insights from the Malaysian model and expressed confidence that the country can effectively move in that direction. He further told the participants that in overall debt profile of Pakistan, Sukuks have the share of around 14 percent. 'We are in the process of restructuring and reorganizing our debt management office in line with the global best practices and adopting modern lines' he added. He further said that 'What we will do is to continue to engage the investors to get their feedback on this and you will listen soon on these lines.' Talking on the Green Sukuk, Finance Minister said that Climate Change is the existential threat for Pakistan and the government is stressing on the need of financing for it along with acquiring IMF's $1.3 Billion Climate Resilience fund and with other concrete reform measures. He termed the launch of Green Sukuk Bond as a great achievement of Pakistan. Aurangzeb also mentioned his recent meetings in United States and UK and said that the messages coming from Multilateral, bilateral partners and investors is that they are surprised with the speed of recovery of country's economy showed in a short span of time. He further told the audience that structural reforms are under way in various sector of the economy including energy, SOEs, Privatization, and Public Finance in terms of right sizing, pension reforms and others which will also be carried actively in next Fiscal year also. Finance Minister stated that the upcoming budget will reflect the strategic direction of Pakistan's economy that will be very much in line with the home grown economic agenda. The Finance Minister also congratulated PSX for hitting record all time high market index on Thursday that according to him show strong confidence of the investors in terms of comprehensive successes, however, he believed that best is yet to come both for PSX (Pakistan Stock Exchange) and Pakistan. The Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Dr. Shamshad Akhtar revealed the country's plans to issue both Green Sukuks and Green Bonds, aiming to tap into the US$ 4 trillion Islamic finance and US$ 2.5 trillion green bond markets. With climate adaptation needs projected to reach US$ 348 billion by 2030, exceeding traditional financing capacity, Green Sukuks are seen as a crucial gateway to addressing this gap. She added that Pakistan has significant potential to become a regional leader in Shariah-compliant green finances. Despite the current energy mix being 60% fossil fuels, Green Sukuks can facilitate a transition to renewables. The country boasts over 40,000 megawatt (MW) of solar and 50,000 MW of wind potential, presenting key opportunities for green investment. Additionally, Green Sukuks can finance waste-to-energy projects, further diversifying Pakistan's energy landscape, she added. On the occasion, Advisor to the Finance Minister, Khurram Schehzad, also highlighted two major national challenges: climate change and population growth. He also shared positive development in three key indicators of economic improvement, including a rise in tax-to-GDP ratio from 9.5% to 10.6% and that is expected to reach 11% by FY26, while reduction in debt-to-GDP ratio from 74% to 65%, and an increase in government revenues. Officials said that issuing of Green Sukuk is a landmark move towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship, which Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has successfully launched under the Sustainable Investment Sukuk Framework. These Shariah-compliant Sukuk aim to finance key green initiatives, including renewable energy, pollution control and climate adaptation projects. On the other hand, Investors can also earn competitive returns while contributing to a greener Pakistan, making a positive impact on both the environment and society. Dr Shamshad Akhtar highlighted the significance of Pakistan's inaugural domestic sovereign Green Sukuk, marking a new era in financial innovation rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and accountability. This debut issuance demonstrates Pakistan's commitment to a greener economy, unlocking investments in renewable energy, green transport, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Meezan Bank's President & CEO, Irfan Siddiqui, emphasized the role of Islamic finance in sustainable development, stating that the Green Sukuk combines Islamic finance with climate-resilient investments, offering Shariah-compliant avenues for investors to contribute to Pakistan's green transition. The Sukuk was remarkably oversubscribed by 5.4 times, reflecting strong investor confidence. PSX's MD/CEO, Mr. Farrukh H. Sabzwari, noted that this milestone showcases the growing integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in Pakistan's capital market, with more sustainable Sukuk issuances expected in the coming months. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Mohsin Mushtaq Chandna, Director General (Debt); Muhammad Ali Malik, Executive Director of the State Bank of Pakistan; Nassir Salim, President of HBL; Badiuddin Akber, CEO of CDC; Naveed Qazi, CEO of NCCPL; and prominent members of the financial sector and capital market fraternity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Creation of new executive service cadre proposed
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal proposed the creation of a new executive service cadre that would allow mid-career officers to serve in domains aligned with their expertise and interests, thereby, improving institutional effectiveness and job satisfaction. Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik expressed serious concern that the Ministry of Climate Change does not currently have officers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in environmental sciences. A high-level meeting on civil service reforms was jointly chaired in Islamabad on Tuesday by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadiq Malik. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzoor Sumra, as well as secretaries from the ministries of Finance, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Cabinet Division, and other senior officials. The meeting also review the progress made on previously issued directions concerning civil service reform and to evaluate steps taken so far. Federal Minister Musadiq Malik echoed these concerns and pointed out a critical gap within his own ministry. He observed that the Ministry of Climate Change does not currently have officers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds in environmental sciences. He questioned how a ministry can function effectively without domain knowledge and stressed the urgent need to prioritise technical expertise in public service roles. Malik underscored that it is not language but genuine skill and substance that drive results. Speaking in the meeting, Iqbal emphasised that Pakistan's over-reliance on the English language as a marker of competence has marginalised the majority of the population. He noted that no country in the world has achieved development solely because of proficiency in English, yet in Pakistan, this language-based system has held back nearly 90 per cent of its citizens. He stated that real progress requires valuing knowledge, skills, and professional competence over mere linguistic proficiency. According to the minister, equal opportunities must be created for all, regardless of their language background, to unlock the true potential of Pakistan's human capital. Sharing his broader observations, Musadiq Malik remarked that despite serving in five different ministries, he has yet to come across any with a well-defined work plan or measurable outcomes. He criticised the absence of annual work plans among secretaries, stating that without such frameworks, evaluating inputs and outputs is impossible. He concluded that reforms which do not directly aim to improve performance are inherently meaningless. Both ministers agreed that the discourse on civil service reforms must now move beyond policy discussions and result in actionable strategies to enhance efficiency, promote merit, and ensure institutional performance across government sectors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Ministers discuss 25-year plantation alongside motorways plan
ISLAMABAD: A major national initiative is being launched to plant fruit-bearing trees and undertake large scale afforestation along the motorways across the country. A comprehensive 25-year plan is being developed with minimal involvement of government departments proposing to lease land to the private sector for this purpose. Immediate steps will be taken to make this proposal feasible and actionable which will be a milestone for green future of Pakistan. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, while chairing a special meeting alongside Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik emphasised that making the environment greener and more pleasant is not only a social responsibility but also a moral and religious obligation. He stressed the need for integrated planning to plant trees not only along motorways from Karachi to Quetta but also on National Highways in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. He called upon agricultural experts and farmers to actively participate in this noble cause and national drive. Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik directed the preparation of concrete proposals within the next three days and agreed to the implementation of the plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications. Aleem Khan assured full support from his ministry in terms of data sharing, land identification and other necessary aspects. He emphasised that improving the environment and enhancing the travel experience on motorways is a top priority and fruit trees should be planted according to the agricultural suitability of each region. He stated that expanding green areas along the motorways would have a positive impact and this project would play a significant role in ensuring an eco-friendly future. The meeting was attended by the chairman of the National Highways Authority, Inspector General of Motorway Police, and senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change, who contributed various suggestions for the project. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
