Govt departments in KP asked to ensure ban on use of polythene bags

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa (KP) government on Thursday directed the government departments to ensure ban on the use of polythene bags.

According to a letter penned, the various departments have been directed to ensure ban on the use of polythene bags (shopping bags) in their premises.

“Paper or bags made from cloth should be used in place of shopping bags”, the letter read.

Last month, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan had banned use of polythene bags (Plastic Shopping Bags) in the province.

While presiding over a meeting regarding the ban on polythene bags and its alternate solution, the chief minister had also directed to constitute a committee to be headed by Minister for Information Shaukat Ali Yousafzai, which would recommend an alternate solution against the use of polythene bags.

Read more: KP govt imposes ban on use of polythene bags, violators to face fine: Yousufzai

The committee comprises Commissioner Peshawar, the Capital City Police Officer  (CCPO)Peshawar and representatives of  Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP), business community and environment department.

The KP CM also underscored the need for a comprehensive campaign through print, electronic and social media for awareness of the general public in this respect.

Senior Provincial Minister Shehram Khan Tarakai, Minister for Information Shokat Yousafzai, Minister Environment Ishtiaq Urmer, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Muhammad Israr, Secretary Local Government, CCPO Peshawar, CEO WSSP, Ex-President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and other concerned quarters attended the meeting.