Syed Aman Shah Provincial Convener Awaam Pakistan Balochistan Urges Immediate Action Against Environmental Crisis.
Karachi: Syed Aman Shah, Provincial Convener Awaam Pakistan Balochistan has called for effective awareness campaigns against plastic bags and PET bottles across the country on the occasion of World Environment Day. He emphasized the need to promote eco-friendly alternatives to reduce environmental pollution and the national carbon footprint.
Syed Aman Shah highlighted that approximately 55 billion plastic bags are produced annually in Pakistan, with a 15% increase in production every year. He added that 60% of urban waste comprises plastic, which poses a significant threat to the environment.
Expressing concern, he noted that only 3% of plastic waste is currently being recycled, which is an alarming situation. He stressed that merely banning plastic bags is not enough; the government must ensure the availability of affordable and eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable, cloth, or jute bags, for the general public. For this, joint efforts from both public and private sectors are essential.
Furthermore, he recommended that local manufacturers should be provided with technical and financial assistance to shift their production towards sustainable products. He emphasized that without providing practical and low-cost alternatives to the public and shopkeepers, effective implementation of such policies will remain impossible.
Syed Aman Shah also pointed out that due to poor waste management and public indifference, plastic bags and bottles clog drainage systems, leading to urban flooding, especially during the monsoon season. He appealed to the public to avoid the use of plastic bags and play their role in protecting the environment.