Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges globally, and Pakistan is no exception. With over 3.9 million tons of plastic waste generated annually in the country, it faces a mounting crisis in managing plastic production, disposal, and its harmful health and environmental effects. The widespread use of plastics across industries, coupled with weak waste management systems, is not only choking the environment but also threatening public health and biodiversity.
Pakistan’s reliance on plastics is significant, with industries ranging from packaging to construction and electronics using massive quantities of this material. Approximately 65% of the plastic waste in the country consists of single-use plastics, which are discarded almost immediately after use. Unfortunately, only 3% of this waste is recycled, while the rest is either improperly disposed of, burned, or dumped into rivers and oceans. This makes Pakistan the world’s second-largest contributor of plastic waste to the Arabian Sea, after India. The problem is further exacerbated by a lack of adequate infrastructure for waste segregation and recycling, with over 70% of plastic waste ending up in open dumps or landfills.
The environmental impact of plastic pollution in Pakistan is immense. Improper disposal of plastic leads to clogged drainage systems, contributing to urban flooding in cities like Karachi and Lahore. Plastic waste in rivers and coastal areas has a devastating effect on marine life, with animals ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic waste, have been found in the waters of the Indus River, one of the most polluted rivers in the world. These particles are not only harmful to aquatic species but also pose a serious threat to human health when they enter the food chain.
From a health perspective, the burning of plastic waste releases toxic chemicals such as dioxins and furans into the air, which are linked to respiratory problems, cancers, and developmental issues. Additionally, the widespread use of plastic packaging for food and beverages exposes consumers to chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A), which can leach into food and cause hormonal disruptions and other health complications. In rural areas, the open burning of plastic waste is a common practice, exposing communities to harmful air pollutants.
Recognizing the gravity of the problem, Pakistan has introduced several legislative measures to reduce plastic usage. In 2019, the federal government imposed a nationwide ban on plastic bags, which was followed by similar bans in provinces such as Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, these regulations have faced significant implementation challenges due to weak enforcement and resistance from the plastics industry, which contributes billions of rupees to the economy. Environmental activists argue that more comprehensive policies, including incentives for biodegradable alternatives and stricter penalties for violators, are needed to address the crisis effectively.
On the international stage, the urgency to tackle plastic pollution has led to global efforts to draft a binding treaty. Delegates from 175 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, earlier this week for the fifth round of negotiations aimed at curbing plastic pollution. The talks, which are part of an initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), seek to establish an international treaty by 2024 to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal. However, divisions among countries on key issues, such as funding mechanisms and the scope of restrictions, have raised doubts about whether a final agreement can be reached.
For Pakistan, an international treaty on plastic pollution could provide much-needed support in tackling its waste management challenges. Environmentalists believe that the treaty could offer financial assistance and technological solutions to developing countries struggling with plastic pollution. Additionally, global commitments to reduce plastic production would help curb the inflow of imported plastic materials, which constitute a significant portion of Pakistan’s waste problem.
The global shift toward reducing plastic usage offers an opportunity for Pakistan to adopt more sustainable practices. Many countries have taken bold steps to address plastic pollution, including bans on single-use plastics, taxes on plastic packaging, and investments in recycling technologies. For instance, the European Union has introduced a directive to phase out single-use plastics by 2030, while countries like Rwanda and Kenya have implemented some of the world’s strictest bans on plastic bags.
Environmentalists argue that Pakistan can learn from these examples by prioritizing policies that promote a circular economy, where plastic waste is reused or recycled instead of being discarded. Public awareness campaigns, community-driven initiatives, and partnerships with private-sector stakeholders are also crucial in driving behavioral change. Encouraging the use of alternatives such as paper, jute, or biodegradable plastics can reduce reliance on traditional plastic products.
The environmental impact of global plastic pollution cannot be overstated. According to the UNEP, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, of which at least 14 million tons end up in the oceans. This has severe consequences for marine ecosystems, with studies estimating that plastic pollution kills over 100,000 marine mammals and millions of birds and fish each year. Beyond wildlife, the persistence of plastic in the environment contributes to climate change, as plastic production and incineration release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
For Pakistan, addressing its plastic pollution problem is not just an environmental necessity but a moral imperative. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Pakistan cannot afford to ignore the ecological damage caused by plastic waste. Stronger legislation, better waste management systems, and a commitment to international cooperation are essential to tackling this crisis. The global community, including Pakistan, must act swiftly to curb plastic pollution and transition toward a more sustainable future.
The negotiations in Busan may still be riddled with challenges, but they represent a vital step in addressing a global crisis that affects all nations. For Pakistan, the stakes are high, but with coordinated efforts and international support, there is hope for a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
