KP Chief Minister announces ban on use of polythene bags

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan issued orders to impose a ban on the 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 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.

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.

The meeting was briefed about plastic pollution and its hazardous effects on the overall environment.

The ban would be helpful to avoid environmental pollution as well as choking of drains.

Last year, Sindh government imposed a ban on the manufacture, sale and purchase of non-biodegradable polythene bags and plastic products in the province.