The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Coordination informed the National Assembly that Pakistan generates around 3.9 million tons of plastic waste annually, with only 4–9 percent being recycled. The data was shared 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, landfills, water channels, and sewer drains, causing severe environmental pollution. It added that the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) had implemented the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations 2023 in Islamabad since July 2023.
According to the ministry, no manufacturing units for plastic bags exist in Islamabad, but production facilities in the provinces supply plastic bags to the capital through established networks. It identified improper waste management, weak coordination among institutions, and the inflow of plastic bags from other provinces as major challenges.
The ministry also noted inconsistencies in plastic bag bans across provinces, a lack of cost-effective alternatives, and the absence of a specific import policy for polymers used in plastic products. It said the Ministry of Climate Change, Pak-EPA, CDA, ICT administration, private sector, and civil society are finalising plans to formalise the informal recycling sector, including providing personal protective equipment and recognition to waste pickers.
The ministry warned that plastic waste causes soil degradation, hinders plant growth, and disrupts ecosystems in agricultural areas. It added that plastic accumulation blocks irrigation systems, rivers, and canals, reducing water flow and affecting agricultural productivity.
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