Gilgit: The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan and Coca-Cola Pakistan have embarked on a two-year partnership aimed at launching the Plastic-Free Gilgit-Baltistan Program. The initiative, announced on July 18, 2024, includes a significant investment by Coca-Cola and its bottling partner Coca-Cola Icecek Pakistan to install recycling facilities and enhance local waste management practices.

According to The Coca-Cola, the project involves the installation of crushing and baling facilities in the Shigar and Ghizer Districts to manage PET plastic bottles effectively. Coca-Cola's commitment extends beyond infrastructure development to include the setup of waste collection points and the initiation of an extensive awareness campaign targeting local communities and tourists. The first such facility was inaugurated in Shigar City, a critical area due to its proximity to the Karakoram Mountain range and the influx of tourists it receives.

The inauguration event featured remarks from the Additional Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, Capt. (R.) Mushtaq Ahmad, who emphasized the region's dependency on tourism and the critical need for sustainable waste management solutions to preserve its natural beauty. Dr. Faisal Hashmi, Director of Public Affairs and Stakeholder Management at Coca-Cola Pakistan and Afghanistan Region, highlighted the initiative as a pivotal step in Coca-Cola's global World Without Waste vision, which includes ambitious goals for recyclable packaging and sustainable practices worldwide.