The Government of Balochistan and the Ministry of Climate Change has placed a ban on the use and sale of polythene bags via Quetta.

Fines will be levied on those who violate the law according to Balochistan Environment Secretary Abdul Saboor Kakar. “We have directed personnel of the Frontier Corps, Levies Force and police to enable strict implementation of the ban,” he said.

“The high court and the Supreme Court have also given clear instructions of the ban,” Kakar said.

The regular use of plastic bags in Quetta has disrupted the cleanliness system in the region.

“Our environment is the place where we breathe, live and eat so we should take care of it and say no to plastic,” Quetta Assistant Commissioner Nida Kazmi said.

Residents have expressed pleasure over the ban as well. However, they have demanded that the government provide them with plastic bags as an alternative. Kakar assured the prompt introduction of cloth bags and degradable plastic bags.

Plastic bags not only have adverse environmental effects but they are also harmful to health and cause fatal diseases like cancer, the secretary said.