The federal government has approved a ban on the usage of plastic bags in Islamabad.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Climate Change announced this on Tuesday saying that the sanction on the sale and purchase of polythene bags will come into effect from August 14.

He said the decision was taken during the federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The government has given a one-month deadline to the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to finish their stock before August 14.

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Stern action would be taken against those found using plastic bags after the due date.

Malik Amin said that only registered authorities will be allowed to produce a limited number of flat plastic bags for industrial or municipal packaging, and hospital waste.

However, organizations that want to use polythene flat bags [post ban] will have to pay a fee of Rs. 10,000 to the government.

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“Any manufacturer, importer or wholesaler found supplying the polythene bags after August 14, will be fined Rs. 50,000,” he said, adding that habitual offenders may have to pay up to Rs. 500,000.

Similarly, any shopkeeper or hawker found violating the regulation would be fined Rs. 10,000 for the first offense. The fine may rise up to Rs. 50,000 for repeated violations.