A number of shopkeepers and businessmen have decided to challenge the KPK government for banning plastic bags and other products.
The written petition has been submitted by Haji Deedar Khan — who is leading the protest — in Peshawar High Court on behalf of all the concerned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shopkeepers and businessmen.
The notification was issued by KP’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which not only prohibits the usage of non-biodegradable plastic but also the black oxo-biodegradable plastic products.
Moreover, the notification also states two additional things:
- Minimum thickness of oxo-biodegradable plastic product thickness to be at least 50 microns.
- Goods must be marked as ‘recycled plastic unsafe for contact with food.’
The EPA did not just stop at the sale of the banned plastic products but they also revoked all the licenses issued for the sale and import of the banned products. Even though black oxo-biodegradable plastic can only be used for garbage purposes, not for commercial purposes.
‘Violation of Fundamental Rights’
The representative of businessmen and shopkeepers who buy and sell oxo-biodegradable plastic, Mian Mihibullah Kakakhel, voiced his opinion and termed EPA’s notification as a ‘violation of fundamental rights.’
Kakakhel argued that in a developing country like Pakistan, it is difficult to suddenly shift from products which are being used so commonly. He said that in some developing countries its’s impracticable and impossible to stop the sale of products that are used for commercial purpose, and for various household chores.
Kakakhel said
It is tantamount to rendering them jobless, they have to be provided with an alternative before imposing a complete ban.
The court comprising of Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Rohul Amin admitted the case for full hearing and issued notices to respondents including DG KP EPA and Deputy Commissioner Peshawar.
EPA Not Entirely Wrong
Under Section 7, clause XII of K-P Environmental Protection Act 2014, the provincial EPA department has the power to ban an activity, work, mobility or transport within a particular area by declaring it environmentally sensitive.
However, the power can be misused if it is not backed by hard evidence. Pollution is already taking its toll in Pakistan with floods in summer, smog in winter, etc. The government needs to carry out steps to keep the country clean. However, there may be a need to educate the public and assist them in making the change.
Paper Bags Is MUCH Better than Shopper :
It Should be Applicable Whole Pakistan Not Only in KPK :
Paper costs trees. I think every home should have cotton bags for shopping grocery. I remember when I was small people used to take their bowls for buying breakfast and plastic baskets for buying vegetables in friday bazars. But now everything is being taken in plastic bags no matter how contaminated it becomes due to plastic
DADI Amma Ka ZAMANA Gaya Jo GHAR Se Hand Bags Le K Jati thi :
Aur Pura Bags Main Saman Bhar K Akele Lati thi
Aj Kal Ki Ladies Nahi Jati Le K
Un K Liye Expensive Paper Bags Imported He Behtar Rahega
Jab Paise Lage ge Tab Carry Karege :
When you were “small”???? Desi English on rise.
Sasty admi, word small child hony ke liye use hota hai. aya bara engrezi baby.
govt should at least have some alternative to a ban like that. paper bags also do harm as they come from trees.