Waste pollution is a pressing crisis that threatens our environment, public health, and economy: Shehbaz Sharif
\n Islamabad
\nPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future, urging a shift from a \u201ctake-make-dispose\u201d economy to a circular model that prioritises waste reduction and resource efficiency.
\n\u201cWaste pollution is a pressing crisis that threatens our environment, public health, and economy. Plastic and hazardous waste are adversely affecting our rivers, landfills, and air, exacerbating climate change,\u201d Shehbaz Sharif said in a message marking the International Day of Zero Waste on Sunday.
\nWith rapid urbanisation and industrial growth, he stressed the need for sustainable waste management solutions that not only protect the environment but also drive economic and social development.
\nThis year\u2019s theme, \u2018Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,\u2019 highlights the urgent need for sustainability in an industry that generates massive waste. As a major textile producer, Pakistan is committed to promoting eco-friendly manufacturing, textile recycling, and ethical consumerism, he said.
\nThe prime minister outlined the government\u2019s initiatives, including a Circular Economy Policy that is under formulation and aims to revolutionise waste management. The Living Indus Initiative focuses on restoring the Indus River Basin by reducing pollution, while advocacy campaigns such as the Clean Green Pakistan Movement aim to enhance grassroots waste management.
\nAdditionally, the Plastic Waste Management Action Plan seeks to eliminate single-use plastics, promote biodegradable alternatives, and expand recycling efforts. The government is also pushing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring that manufacturers take accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products, integrating waste management into production and packaging.
\nHowever, PM Shehbaz emphasised that achieving a zero-waste society requires collective action.
\n\u201cCitizens must reduce waste at home, recycle, and compost. Businesses must shift to sustainable production and minimise waste. Local governments must strengthen waste collection and expand recycling facilities, while the private sector must innovate in waste-to-energy and green entrepreneurship solutions,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cEvery action counts. Let us work together to make zero waste a reality, ensuring a healthier planet for our future generations,\u201d the prime minister added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Waste pollution is a pressing crisis that threatens our environment, public health, and economy: Shehbaz Sharif Islamabad Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future, urging a shift from a \u201ctake-make-dispose\u201d economy to a circular model that prioritises waste reduction and resource efficiency. \u201cWaste pollution is a pressing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":423157,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-470036","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n