Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced plans to enact provincial legislation banning the use and sale of all types of plastic bags within the city limits to tackle the persistent problems of sewage blockages and environmental pollution. This decision comes as part of broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure and address the severe disruptions caused by plastic waste, especially during the rainy season.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the proposed ban was deliberated in a meeting with Ms. Nabila Umer, the secretary of the environment, and Naeem Mughal, director general of the Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The discussions highlighted the substantial damage caused by plastic bags to the city’s sewerage and storm water drainage systems, which has resulted in significant financial and operational burdens on the city administration.
Mayor Wahab emphasized that the choking of sewerage lines due to plastic bags not only leads to overflowing sewage and road damage but also exacerbates traffic issues. By examining the positive impacts of similar bans in Islamabad and other cities, the Karachi administration aims to foster community cooperation, particularly among the business sector, to ensure a smooth transition away from plastic bags. The Mayor assured that the civic bodies are committed to implementing a joint strategy swiftly to mitigate environmental pollution and improve the living conditions in Karachi.