Traders and the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency, Syed Abrar Hussain, have discussed alternatives to plastic shopping bags and measures to discourage their use.
During a meeting, trader representative Ajmal Baloch proposed installing awareness banners in markets encouraging shoppers to bring reusable bags from home. He also suggested displaying banners urging consumers to bring their own containers when purchasing milk and yoghurt.
Baloch said the issue could not be fully resolved until suitable alternatives to shopping bags were readily available in markets. He urged the government and the relevant ministry to launch an awareness campaign against plastic bag use, adding that the government had the necessary funds and resources for the initiative.
Environmental Protection Agency Director General Syed Abrar Hussain said the use of shopping bags was prohibited. During the meeting, he also showed traders an alternative plastic bag with a thickness of approximately 80 microns.
The participants agreed to consider allowing the use of approved shopping bags as an alternative. Suggestions will also be sought from manufacturers to explore workable options.
A follow-up meeting involving representatives of traders, manufacturers and the administration has been scheduled for October 22 to discuss the matter further.
The development comes after enforcement actions against shopping bags were suspended until October 20 on the instructions of the Minister of State for Interior.
The discussions aim to explore practical alternatives and improve public awareness while addressing concerns raised by traders over the availability of suitable substitutes.
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