Commissioner Faisalabad Declares Government Offices Plastic-Free Zones, Launches Division-Wide Campaign Against Plastic Use
(By Zafar Chishti, Bureau Chief Punjab Pakistan)
FAISALABAD: In a major step towards environmental protection and sustainable development, Commissioner Faisalabad Imran Hamid Sheikh has directed that all government offices across the Faisalabad Division be declared “Plastic-Free Zones.” The initiative has formally commenced from the Commissioner Office, setting an example for all public institutions in the division.According to official sources, the use of plastic water bottles, disposable plastic items and plastic shopping bags has been completely prohibited within the Commissioner Office. In their place, glass water bottles, reusable containers and water dispensers have been introduced to encourage environmentally friendly practices and minimize plastic waste.To reinforce the campaign, “No to Plastic Use” awareness boards and informative signages have been installed at prominent locations throughout the Commissioner Office to educate employees and visitors about the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
Commissioner Imran Hamid Sheikh directed Deputy Commissioners and all administrative officers of the four districts of Faisalabad Division Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Chiniot to implement the same policy in their respective government offices without delay. He instructed that the use of plastic bottles should be discontinued and replaced with glass bottles and water dispensers in all official meetings and offices.The Commissioner also directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intensify its enforcement campaign against the manufacture, sale, and use of prohibited plastic items. He ordered the department to conduct awareness drives alongside strict inspections in markets, shopping centers, commercial areas and bazaars to discourage the use of plastic shopping bags and promote environmentally safe alternatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Imran Hamid Sheikh said that plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental challenges, posing threats to human health, wildlife, water resources and the ecosystem. He emphasized that eliminating unnecessary plastic use is no longer an option but an urgent necessity.He said that the provincial government’s vision of a cleaner and greener Punjab can only be achieved through practical measures and collective public participation. “Visible action on the ground is essential. Every government department must play its role in protecting the environment by adopting eco-friendly practices,” he remarked.Appealing to the public, the Commissioner urged citizens to avoid single-use plastic bags and instead adopt cloth and reusable shopping bags in their daily lives. He stressed that environmental awareness should be promoted at every level, including educational institutions, business centers and public offices.He further stated that the district administration has already launched a comprehensive awareness campaign, adding that its success depends largely on the active cooperation and responsible behavior of the public. He expressed confidence that with joint efforts, Faisalabad Division can become a model region in reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
