Islamabad, Pakistan marked International Earth Day with a significant pledge to combat plastic pollution, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced new initiatives aimed at reducing the country's dependency on plastics. Addressing the nation, he unveiled plans to prohibit single-use plastics and restrict the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles within federal ministries, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

According to Zameen.Com, the theme for this year's Earth Day was 'Planet vs Plastics', highlighting the global challenge of plastic waste and its adverse effects on the environment. In his speech, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of reducing plastic use, recycling more efficiently, and supporting policies that protect the environment at all levels of society.

The Prime Minister detailed an extensive consultative process involving various governmental and industrial stakeholders aimed at crafting the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023. These efforts align with Pakistan’s goals to foster a sustainable circular economy, focusing on reducing waste and enhancing recycling practices.

Additionally, Sharif highlighted the critical challenges posed by climate change, particularly for Pakistan, which he noted as one of the most vulnerable countries affected by environmental changes. He stressed the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures to ensure the country's development and economic security are not compromised.

These initiatives represent a vital step in Pakistan's environmental strategy, aiming to lead by example in the region by implementing robust measures against plastic pollution and its impacts.