CHITRAL: To safeguard the environment and maintain the pristine beauty of tourist destinations, a comprehensive ban on plastic bags has been implemented throughout the Kalash Valley.
Recognising that plastic waste blocking drainage systems disrupts the delicate local ecosystem, authorities have invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to prohibit the use, sale, storage, and distribution of these materials.
This decisive move comes ahead of the Chilam Joshi Festival (May 12–17, 2026), a period expected to draw significant crowds to this ecologically sensitive region.
The ban is effective immediately and will remain in force for 60 days, with strict legal penalties under Section 188 for any violations. Local officials are urging both residents and visitors to cooperate with these measures to ensure the natural charm of the valley remains untarnished.
By swapping plastic for sustainable alternatives, travellers can help preserve the very landscapes they come to admire.
