Islamabad Arrests 88 Shopkeepers for Using Plastic Bags

Islamabad’s district administration has made 88 shopkeepers the subject of an arrest and sealed nine shops as part of a campaign against the capital’s prohibition on polythene bags. Authorities disclosed that 313 kilograms of bags were seized during these recent enforcement actions. This crackdown is being carried out under the 2023 law banning single-use plastics, according to the administration.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon stated that the objective of the ban is to minimize environmental pollution and safeguard the natural environment. He emphasized that plastic bags contribute to long-term pollution in land, waterways, and urban areas. Discarded bags also obstruct drains and exacerbate sanitation issues, making their use a concern for both environmental protection and city maintenance.

Memon instructed shopkeepers to cease selling and supplying polythene bags immediately and to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives. The district administration announced that stringent legal action against violations is underway as part of a larger enforcement initiative. Deputy Commissioner Memon also solicited cooperation from residents and merchants in implementing the ban, noting that public support is essential in maintaining a clean and green Islamabad.