The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (Punjab-EPA) has announced plans to make Rawalpindi the first district headquarters in the province to be free of single-use plastic, with implementation set to begin from June.

Speaking at a press conference, Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said that laws banning single-use plastic bags are already in place and enforcement is actively underway. Authorities are imposing fines, sealing premises, and taking legal action against violators.

He explained that the move is part of a broader provincial strategy to eliminate plastic waste, with other district headquarters to follow in phases after Rawalpindi’s rollout.

To minimize disruption for businesses, officials are adopting a gradual approach. Dr. Sheikh noted that eco-friendly alternatives, including plastic bags with a thickness of more than 75 microns, are available in the market and are being promoted in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The EPA has also begun establishing designated plastic-free zones across the city, including traditional markets, to ensure widespread compliance.

Officials emphasized that single-use plastics pose serious long-term environmental risks, underscoring the urgency of sustained action to reduce pollution and promote sustainable alternatives across Punjab.