Pakistan calls for global action against 'plastic pollution'.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution under the global theme 'Beating Plastic Pollution.'

In a message on the occasion of World Environment Day, the premier emphasized Pakistan's unwavering commitment to combat plastic pollution and embark on a journey of plastics reduction.

PM Shehbaz said that his government has taken several steps to take country on the path to sustainable use of resources.

The government has prioritised the adoption of environment-friendly alternatives and is actively working on the Plastics Prohibition Regulation 2023 for Islamabad Capital Territory. This regulation will establish a comprehensive framework and timeline for phasing out single-use plastics, while also leading by example on a plan to reduce and then ban the use of single-use plastics by the entire federal government.

In a demonstration of the federal government's commitment to reducing plastic waste in Pakistan, the premier has directed the PM House to stop using single-use plastics, which like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, will lead the way in phasing out and restricting the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles in Federal Ministries, Divisions across the board.

By doing so, the government aims to establish a sustainable and...