Islamabad’s district administration has intensified its crackdown on the illegal use and sale of polythene bags, arresting 88 shopkeepers and sealing nine shops during recent enforcement operations.
Officials said around 313 kilograms of polythene bags were confiscated during the crackdown. The action is being carried out under the 2023 law that prohibits single-use plastics in the federal capital.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said the ban was introduced to reduce environmental pollution and protect the city’s natural environment. He stressed that continued use of plastic bags creates serious problems for both the environment and urban management.
According to the administration, discarded polythene bags can remain in the environment for long periods and contribute to pollution on roads, open spaces and waterways. They can also block drainage systems, increasing sanitation problems and creating difficulties during periods of heavy rainfall.
The deputy commissioner directed shopkeepers and traders to immediately stop selling and supplying prohibited polythene bags. He urged businesses to shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives in line with the applicable regulations.
The district administration said enforcement teams are continuing inspections across different areas of Islamabad. Officials warned that businesses found violating the ban could face legal action under the relevant law.
The latest arrests and shop closures are part of a wider effort to ensure compliance with Islamabad’s restrictions on single-use plastics. Authorities said the crackdown would continue to discourage the use and distribution of banned plastic bags.
The administration has also appealed to residents to cooperate with enforcement teams and avoid purchasing or using prohibited polythene bags. Officials said public cooperation is important for reducing plastic waste and improving cleanliness across the capital.
The crackdown comes as authorities continue efforts to strengthen environmental enforcement in Islamabad. The administration has encouraged traders and consumers to adopt reusable and environmentally friendly alternatives instead of single-use plastic bags.
Officials maintained that reducing plastic waste can help protect drainage systems, public spaces and the wider environment. Further action is expected against businesses that continue to violate the ban.
