Karachi: Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in light of Section 132 of Sindh Local Government Act 2013 imposed complete ban on manufacturing, sale and use of polythene/plastic bags. This ban was imposed by KMC from June 15, 2022 in resolution chaired by KMC Metropolitan Commission S M Afzal Zaidi on May 13, 2022.

It is not first time that government authority’s imposed ban on plastic bags. First ban was imposed by Sindh government in 2006 under Sindh prohibition on manufacture, sale and use of polythene bags Act, 2006, promulgated on December 22, 2006. Prohibition of manufacturing, sale and use of “black” polythene bags below thirty micron thickness in province. Any person who contravenes provisions of section 3 shall be punished with imprisonment for term may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or with both.

Provided that if a person convicted for an offence punishable under this section is again convicted for such offence, fine shall extend to Rs 100,000 and term of imprisonment shall extend to 6-month. A Judicial Magistrate specially empowered in this behalf under section 24 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997. No court shall take cognisance of an offence under this Act except upon a complaint in writing by sepa director general or any other officer authorised by him. Two council resolutions were approved and passed by City Council-CDGK in 2002 in this respect under City District Government Karachi run by Mayor Niamatullah Khan.

Garbage found in form of polythene bags, is hazardous for environment and atmosphere

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 20 2022

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