Ban would take effect after 3 months with its violation punishable by a fine ranging from Rs50, 000 to Rs5 million and two years imprisonment
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced a ban on the production and sale of non-biodegradable plastic bags in the province.
It however said the ban would take effect after three months with its violation punishable by a fine ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million and two years imprisonment.
The announcement was made by PTI MPA Shaukat Yousafzai during a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club.
Mr Yousafzai, who is also the chairman of the government’s relevant committee, said the ban had been slapped on plastic bags to ensure provision of clean and healthy environment to the people.
He said non-degradable plastic bags were a menace for environment, which caused diseases, including cancer, clogged drains and created unhygienic conditions.
The lawmaker said the ban had been imposed after the government held thorough meetings with all stakeholders, including businessmen.
Accompanied by forest secretary Nazar Shah and director general of the environmental protection agency Dr Mohammad Bashir, Mr Yousafzai said the government had delayed the ban’s enforcement at the request of the business community to enable them to dispose of the available stock of non-biodegradable plastic bags.
He said there would be no leniency against the production and sale of such plastic bags after the ban became effective.
The MPA said the traders failing to clear out non-biodegradable plastic bags in three months would be given fine ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs5 million each and those failing to comply with the ban thereafter would be put behind bars for two years.
He said first, plastic used for the packaging of toffees and chewing gums would be allowed but the use of plastic to cover sweets as well as that of plastic bags would be restricted, and afterwards, the plastic used for packaging would be tested for harmful effects and if it was found to be injurious to health and environment, its use would be banned.
Mr Yousafzai directed all administrative officers including deputy commissioners to begin collecting samples of all plastic bags after the three months period was over.
He said the ban on non-degradable plastic bags wouldn’t cause unemployment and that it would ensure provision of clean and healthy environment to the people.
The lawmaker said plastic bags were used abroad but they were biodegradable but ironically, manufacturers used substandard material to make such bags to make unreasonable profits.
He warned against the transportation of non-degradable plastic bags to KP from other provinces and said retailers would be held responsible if they were found buying such bags.
“Neither the production of non-degradable plastic bags will be allowed in the province nor will anyone be allowed to import and sell or use these products after the enforcement of the ban,” he said.
