Rawalakot,(Parliament Times): Azad Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Environment, Arts & Culture and Languages, Ms. Nabila Ayoub, has said that the use of polythene bags has become a serious threat to the environment, human health, and future generations, stressing that their complete elimination requires joint efforts from both the government and the public.
She said that the growing impacts of climate change are also negatively affecting Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, making timely and effective measures essential. She directed that cloth bags be promoted as an alternative to polythene bags and emphasized the need for a robust public awareness campaign to raise environmental consciousness among citizens.
The minister added that small-scale industries producing bags from used clothing could not only help protect the environment but also create employment opportunities.
She made these remarks while chairing an important environmental meeting at the Divisional Headquarters Rawalakot.
The meeting was attended by Director General Environment Chaudhry Shaukat, Commissioner Poonch Division Sardar Waheed Khan, while Deputy Commissioners of Sudhnoti Sardar Umar Farooq, Bagh Asim Khalid Awan, and Haveli Raja Umar Tariq joined via video link. Assistant Commissioner Rawalakot Syed Yasir Gardizi, District Information Officer Nasir Latif, and other relevant officials were also present.
Deputy Director Environment Muhammad Ali briefed the meeting, stating that polythene bags—commonly known as plastic shoppers—are highly harmful to the environment, water, soil, and human health, and are already banned by the government.
He informed that the Azad Kashmir government has enacted a formal law prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, import, and export of polythene bags, and assistant commissioners have been empowered to enforce the law.
The meeting stressed the need for effective district-level enforcement of the ban and called for an awareness campaign involving traders’ associations, municipal committees, media, and other stakeholders to ensure environmental protection.