ISLAMABAD: Experts said that special focus should be given to address the issue of plastic pollution as it affects environment and human health. They made the remarks as the world including Pakistan is observing International Earth Day under theme “Planet vs. Plastics”. The aim of the day to aware the people about the negative effect of plastic waste on earth.
Commenting over the development, environment and climate change expert M Daud Khan said that plastic pollution is a major issue in Pakistan as well like other parts of the world. He added that plastic waste can disturb the food chain as it can release harmful chemicals into water and the soil, and be ingested by animals.
He said that there is need to create awareness among the citizens about the use of plastic, its negative impacts on the environment, to decline plastic dependency and make the planet plastic-free.
He was of the view that plastic waste has become a main environmental problem in Pakistan due to lack of proper waste management and recycling infrastructure, adding some measures have been taken in major cities including Islamabad to discourage the use of plastic bags. However, he emphasized for more and more awareness and recycling infrastructure to curb this environmental issue.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that Pakistan generates around 20 million tons of solid waste annually, of which 5 to 10 percent is plastic waste.
Replying to a question, Islamabad based journalist Sardar Yousafzai said that plastic waste in Pakistan is mostly generated by urban areas, and the waste collection and disposal infrastructure is not proper to handle the plastic waste generated. He said that plastic waste is usually burned or dumped in open areas, which creates environmental pollution. He said that plastic waste can also pollute air, soil and air, which can also cause long-term damage to the ecosystem in the country.
Islamabad based journalists, Arshad Ali said that plastic pollution problem needs a multi-pronged approach to be addressed and said that there is need the development and execution of biodegradable plastics as the approach can help reduce plastic waste and mitigate the effect of plastic pollution on environment.
He said that the development of efficient waste management systems is must to address plastic waste in Pakistan. He added that municipal authorities must invest in waste collection infrastructure, including proper disposal mechanisms and recycling facilities.
He also suggested that the government should work to set up waste-to-energy plants to reduce plastic waste by translating it into energy.
On the occasion of Earth Day, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif asked the countrymen to reaffirm their resolve to using plastic responsibly to reduce plastic waste and embrace recycling and eco-friendly substitutes.
The PM said that as a nation, they should reaffirm their commitment to use plastic responsibly to reduce plastic waste that is polluting oceans, rivers and lakes, while are also making inroads into their food systems, posing a serious threat to human health.
The Prime Minister said though Pakistan is among one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, there is little awareness regarding the risks of climate change threatening the progress, the well-being, and economic security of the people.
Pakistan is witnessing climate change devastating impacts, from changing seasonal weather patterns, increasing temperatures and variability of monsoons, the PM said.
The prime minister said that the effects of climate change had exacerbated over the years, which puts the country at an even greater economic and physical risk. Hence, we understand the urgency of taking bold and decisive steps to confront these challenges and build resilience in the face of adversity, he added.
Pakistan had initiated an exhaustive consultative process with the line ministries, provincial environment departments, industries and other relevant stakeholders for devising a Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023 and restriction on use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles in federal ministries and divisions.
“From preserving nature to mitigating the effects of climate change on people and their livelihoods, Pakistan will continue its strife towards building a sustainable, greener and cleaner future,” the PM resolved.
