Five Shops Sealed Over Plastic Bag Ban Violations
SIALKOT, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 20th Aug, 2026)
Under the supervision of Parlimentary Secretary for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Punjab Kanwal Liaquat, the Environmental Protection Department took strict action against shopkeepers in Daska City for using banned shopping bags and violating the approved 75 micron shopping bag policy, sealing five shops.
During the operation:
- 310 kilograms of banned shopping bags were seized.
- A total fine of Rs 20,000 was imposed.
During the operation, a team from the Environmental Protection Department:
- Inspected various shops.
- Checked the quality of shopping bags used and the prescribed micron policy.
- Upon violation, took legal action against the concerned shopkeepers in accordance with the law and confiscated the prohibited shopping bags.
Parlimentary Secretary for Environmental Protection and Climate Change Punjab Kanwal Liaquat stated:
"Banned shopping bags are enemies of the environment and their use increases environmental pollution. The Punjab government is implementing a zero-tolerance policy to clean the environment and reduce the harmful effects of plastic."
She clarified that the use of shopping bags below 75 microns is not acceptable in Punjab and that strict action will be taken against those who violate this rule.
Kanwal Liaquat added that the campaign against banned shopping bags has entered a decisive stage, urging shopkeepers to abide by the law and use eco-friendly alternatives.
She emphasized that the government is strictly enforcing environmental laws and that no individual, shopkeeper, or business entity will be allowed to violate them.
The Parliamentary Secretary directed the officers of the Environmental Protection Department to:
- Intensify the campaign against banned shopping bags.
- Conduct regular checks in markets and commercial centers.
- Take strict action against violators as per the law.
Deputy Director Environmental Protection Pakeeza Bukhari, Assistant Director Johar Abbas, and Inspector Shahid Dogar were also present during the operation.
The Environmental Protection Department team informed shopkeepers about the prescribed standards for plastic shopping bags and environmental laws, making it clear that future violations would result in legal action, including fines, confiscation of goods, and sealing of shops.
