The Punjab Environment Protection Agency has announced plans to make Rawalpindi free of single use plastic. Implementation will begin from June. Consequently, Punjab to make Rawalpindi plastic free as the first district headquarters under this initiative. Speaking at a press conference, Director General Punjab EPA Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said laws banning single use plastic bags are already in place. Enforcement is underway with fines, sealing, and other legal action against violators.

The initiative is part of a broader plan to make Punjab plastic free. District headquarters across the province will transition in phases. Therefore, Punjab to make Rawalpindi plastic free first, with other cities following later. Dr Sheikh said a phased approach will avoid disruption to businesses. Eco friendly plastic bags with thickness over 75 microns are already available in the market. Their use is being encouraged in coordination with stakeholders and industry.

Officials said plastic free zones are being established in Rawalpindi. The initiative is also extending to traditional markets to ensure wider compliance. Single use plastic poses long term environmental risks. Punjab to make Rawalpindi plastic free as a response to these dangers. The agency stressed the need for immediate and sustained action against plastic pollution.

Businesses should prepare for the June deadline. Consumers must switch to reusable or thicker eco friendly bags. The EPA will enforce the ban strictly. Violators face fines and potential sealing of their premises. Rawalpindi leads the way for a cleaner Punjab.