Pakistan – plastic bag ban yields 70 arrests

Resource Recycling reports that the City Nazim of Karachi, Pakistan has outlawed the sale or use of plastic bags less than 30 microns thick. The ban carries a penalty of three months in jail and/or a fine of $825 ($US), and is being aggressively enforced. Over 70 people have reportedly been arrested over the last week for selling the now-illegal bags.



City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal made the move citing health concerns and damage to the recently upgraded sewer system. "The ban was imposed in the larger interest of the people, and our aim is to free the city from polyethylene bags" Kamal said, adding that Karachi police would continue to carry out raids on bag sellers and manufacturers to "put an end to the plastic bag culture".



Kamal suggested use of paper or cloth bags in place of the banned plastic. The second phase of the ban would outlaw usage of bags thicker than 30 microns.