Plastic waste has become a major environmental problem in Pakistan. Our desire for convenience has contributed to the increasing use of plastic, which has affected not only the environment but also human health. Plastic pollution releases harmful chemicals into soil and water, which can then enter the food chain. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Pakistan has one of the highest concentrations of plastic waste in South Asia. The country produces more than 3.3 million tons of plastic waste annually, a large portion of which comes from single-use plastics such as bags, bottles and packaging.
Poor waste management infrastructure exacerbates the problem, resulting in plastic pollution in rivers, agricultural lands and urban areas. Pakistan does not have a proper waste segregation system, where degradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable items are collected separately. De-dependence on plastics can only be achieved through better public awareness campaigns, recycling systems and development of environment-friendly alternatives.
Salahuddin Kakar
Quetta