UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB

Department: Institute of Administration Sciences

MPA session (2022-2024)

Understanding the Public Policy: Theories and Issues

Name: Syeda Areeta Shah

Roll no: MPA -IAS-11-RF22
Topic: Final Project of Critically Evaluating a Policy

Submitted to: Ma’am Sobia Khurram

 Critically Evaluate the Environmental Policy with one specific
Initiative of Ban on Single-Use of Plastic Bags in Pakistan
Introduction:
Pakistan has several environmental issues, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and a
lack of proper waste management. To address these concerns, the Pakistani government has
established a variety of environmental regulations and programs over the years. However, the
success and effects of these initiatives are still being debated. Pakistan has a National
Environmental Policy that was last updated in 2005. The policy is trying to promote sustainable
development while safeguarding the environment. It addresses concerns such as air quality,
water resources, solid waste management, biodiversity protection, and climate change.
Pakistan has taken several steps in recent years to address environmental issues. The country, for
example, launched the "Clean and Green Pakistan" campaign in 2018 to encourage cleanliness,
tree planting, and garbage management. The administration has also implemented regulations to
minimize the use of plastic bags, improve air quality, and enhance renewable energy
development. Pakistan has signed various international environmental treaties and conventions,
including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This essay aims to critically evaluate the environmental policy of the ban on single-use plastic
bags in Pakistan. The essay will look at the policy's effectiveness in reducing plastic waste, the
economic and social consequences of the ban, and the potential for alternative solutions. Finally,
this review will give insights into the policy's strengths, faults, and implications for future
environmental policies in Pakistan and beyond.
Ban on Single-Use of Plastic Bags:
Plastic pollution has become a global environmental problem, affecting marine ecosystems,
animals, and human health. Many nations have responded by implementing measures to decrease
plastic waste, such as a ban on single-use plastic bags. Pakistan is one such country that has
banned the use of plastic bags. The prohibition was originally enacted in Islamabad, Pakistan's
capital city, in 2019 and has subsequently been extended to other cities.
In Pakistan, the prohibition of single-use plastic bags has been welcomed with both favor and
criticism. Proponents claim that the ban will minimize plastic pollution, conserve animals, and
promote environmentally friendly practices. However, opponents claim that the ban has had little
impact on decreasing plastic trash and harmed small-scale businesses' economies and
livelihoods. The Pakistani government's initiative to prohibit single-use plastic bags is an
important step towards decreasing plastic waste and saving the environment. The decision is
consistent with worldwide efforts to decrease plastic pollution and address the negative impacts
of plastic on the environment and human health.
However, various elements must be considered while assessing the efficiency of this initiative.
First, enforcing the restriction may prove difficult. Plastic bag bans have been unsuccessful in
many countries due to insufficient enforcement mechanisms, lack of public awareness, and
limited resources for monitoring and enforcing the ban. The initiative's success will be
determined by the government's capacity to properly enforce the ban and educate the people
about the environmental impact of plastic bags.
Second, the ban may have unexpected implications. For example, prohibiting the use of plastic
bags may boost the usage of paper bags, which may have a larger carbon impact than plastic
bags. As a result, it is critical for the government to examine alternate materials that are both
ecologically benign and cost-effective. Third, the restriction may have economic consequences.
Plastic bag production employs a large number of people in Pakistan. Plastic bag bans may result
in job losses and economic hardship for people working in the industry. For people affected by
the prohibition, the government must give other job alternatives.
The Process of Policy Evaluation:
Scope of Evaluation:
The policy actors involved in initiating and implementing a plastic ban might differ based on the
nation and level of government. In general, the government takes the lead in enacting
environmental policy, with input from a variety of stakeholders, including corporations,
environmental organizations, and individuals. International organizations such as the United
Nations and the European Union may also play a role in establishing environmental policy
objectives and recommendations.
In Pakistan, the policy was initiated by the federal government and implemented by provincial
governments, specifically the Sindh and Punjab governments. However, due to insufficient
enforcement mechanisms, a lack of public knowledge, and limited resources, the policy's
implementation has been loaded with difficulties. The approach has been criticized for being too
restricted in scope and failing to address the underlying causes of plastic pollution. For example,
the policy concentrates only on the prohibition of single-use plastic bags without addressing the
broader issue of plastic waste management, which includes recycling, reuse, and disposal. The
engagement of numerous parties, such as manufacturers, consumers, waste management
agencies, and civil society groups, is critical to the policy's success. Unfortunately, a lack of
cooperation among these parties has limited the policy's effectiveness.
Actors involved in the implementation of this policy:
 Federal Government: The Federal Government of Pakistan is responsible for initiating
and coordinating national policies related to the environment, including the ban on
single-use plastic bags.
 Provincial Governments: The provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan
have taken the lead in implementing the ban on single-use plastic bags. They have
enacted laws and regulations to prohibit the production, sale, and use of plastic bags.
  Environmental Protection Agencies: Environmental protection agencies, such as the
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAK-EPA), are responsible for monitoring
and enforcing the ban on single-use plastic bags.
 Manufacturers and Retailers: Manufacturers and retailers of plastic bags are required to
comply with the ban and transition to alternative products.
 Consumers: Consumers play a critical role in the success of the ban on single-use plastic
bags by reducing their use of plastic bags and adopting reusable bags.
 Civil Society Organizations: Civil society organizations, such as environmental groups
and NGOs, can play a key role in creating awareness about the environmental impacts of
plastic bags and promoting sustainable alternatives.
In terms of information, the players involved in enforcing the ban should have access to
information on the environmental effect of plastic bags, such as their contribution to pollution,
greenhouse gas emissions, and wildlife destruction. They should also be informed about the
alternatives to plastic bags and their possible environmental and economic consequences. The
policy's intended action should be to minimize the use of single-use plastic bags, stimulate the
use of alternatives, and guarantee effective implementation of the prohibition. They should also
raise public awareness about the environmental effect of plastic bags and the beneficial effects of
using a smaller number of them.
However, the effectiveness of the ban on single-use plastic bags also depends on the
implementation strategies of the actors involved. To achieve compliance, for example,
enforcement procedures must be strong and consistent. the actors should look for ways to reward
the usage of alternatives, such as reusable bags, in order to drive behavior change.
Initiatives taken by the Government on this Policy of Ban on single-use of Plastic Bags:
The Pakistani government has taken several initiatives to implement the ban on single-use plastic
bags. Here are some examples:
 In 2019, the Government of Sindh in Pakistan imposed a ban on the manufacturing, sale,
and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags in the province. The ban was extended to the
whole country in August 2019.
 The government has launched several awareness campaigns to educate people about the
environmental impact of plastic bags and promote the use of reusable bags. For example,
the Ministry of Climate Change launched the "Clean and Green Pakistan" campaign,
which includes initiatives to reduce plastic waste.
 The government has encouraged the use of alternative products to plastic bags, such as
jute bags, cotton bags, and paper bags. The government also provides subsidies to
manufacturers to produce alternative bags.
 The government has established special task forces and conducted raids to enforce the
ban on single-use plastic bags. Violators of the ban face fines and imprisonment.
According to a study conducted by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources
(PCRWR), the ban on plastic bags in Pakistan has resulted in a significant reduction in plastic
waste. Before the ban, Pakistan used to generate around 55,000 tons of plastic waste per year.
After the ban, this figure dropped to 33,000 tons per year, representing a reduction of 40%.
Moreover, according to a report by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the use of plastic
bags in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, has decreased by 70% since the ban on single-use
plastic bags was implemented. The report also suggests that the ban has led to a reduction in
littering, which has positive impacts on the environment and public health.
Evaluation Criteria:
The evaluation criteria for the policy of the ban on single-use plastic bags in Pakistan can include
the following:
 The policy should lead to a reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags and, as a result,
a reduction in plastic waste. According to a study by the Pakistan Council of Research in
Water Resources (PCRWR), the ban on plastic bags in Pakistan has resulted in a 40%
reduction in plastic waste.
 The policy should have a positive impact on the environment, including reducing
littering, pollution, and harm to wildlife. According to a report by the World-Wide Fund
for Nature (WWF), the use of plastic bags in Islamabad has decreased by 70% since the
ban on single-use plastic bags was implemented, leading to a reduction in littering.
 The policy should be effectively enforced, with appropriate penalties for violators. The
government of Pakistan has established special task forces and conducted raids to enforce
the ban on single-use plastic bags.
 The policy should promote the use of alternative products to plastic bags, such as jute
bags, cotton bags, and paper bags. The government of Pakistan has encouraged the use of
alternative products and provides subsidies to manufacturers to produce alternative bags.
 The policy should not have a negative impact on the economy or livelihoods. The ban on
single-use plastic bags in Pakistan has led to the creation of new businesses and
employment opportunities in the manufacturing and sale of alternative bags.
In general, before enacting any policy, the government may perform a feasibility study to
analyze the proposed policy's environmental, economic, and social consequences. This might
entail analyzing data from the country's plastic bag usage and trash management. In Pakistan,
according to a report by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the country generates around
20 million tons of solid waste annually, and a significant portion of this waste consists of plastic
bags. Furthermore, only 50% of plastic waste is properly collected and disposed of, while the rest
ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
Given these data, the government may consider imposing a ban on single-use plastic bags to
reduce plastic waste and improve waste management practices in the country. They could also
think about benchmarking with other countries that have successfully adopted comparable
regulations in order to discover best practices. Aside from environmental benefits, a ban on
plastic bags might have economic and social consequences. For example, it might pave the way
for the development of alternative eco-friendly goods as well as the creation of new jobs in the
production and distribution sectors. However, it may have a detrimental impact on small
enterprises that rely on plastic bags for packing and transportation.
Collecting Information:
The government of Islamabad prohibited the use, sale, purchase, and distribution of single-use
plastic bags in the city in August 2019. The prohibition was enforced by fining violators and
confiscating prohibited products. According to local officials, the restriction reduced the usage of
plastic bags in the city by 70%. In June 2019, the Gilgit-Baltistan administration banned single-
use plastic bags and launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of plastic
pollution. The restriction was vigorously enforced, and offenders were punished and, in some
cases, imprisoned. According to the authorities, the prohibition resulted in a considerable
reduction in plastic trash in the region.
The Sindh government announced a ban on single-use plastic bags in the province in October
2019. However, the restriction was not properly implemented, and plastic bags were freely used
and sold across the province. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government declared a ban on the use of
non-biodegradable plastic bags in the province in December 2019. The administration has also
launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of plastic pollution. However, the
restriction was not properly implemented, and plastic bags were freely used and sold across the
province. The outcomes of Pakistan's ban on single-use plastic bags have been varied. While
some cities and provinces have reduced their plastic garbage, others have been unable to
successfully implement the ban. It is vital to emphasize that a statewide ban on single-use plastic
bags would be more beneficial in Pakistan in decreasing plastic pollution.
Comparison analysis between different countries:
The ban on single-use plastic bags has been implemented in several countries, including
Pakistan. Here's a comparison of the policy implementation and its impact on plastic usage in
Pakistan and other countries: Pakistan imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in August 2019.
The ban was initially implemented in Islamabad and then extended to other major cities,
including Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. The government imposes fines and penalties on
violators, including imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to PKR 500,000.
According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan used to produce 55 billion plastic bags
annually before the ban. However, after the implementation of the policy, the usage of plastic
bags has decreased by 70-80% in the country. Kenya implemented a ban on single-use plastic
bags in August 2017. The government imposes fines of up to KES 4 million ($40,000) or
imprisonment of up to four years for violators. According to the United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP), the ban reduced plastic bag usage by 80% in the first year of its
implementation.
Bangladesh was one of the first countries to impose a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2002. The
government imposes fines of up to BDT 5000 ($59) or imprisonment of up to two years for
violators. According to a study by the University of Dhaka, the ban reduced plastic bag usage by
90% in the country. India imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2016. The government
imposes fines of up to INR 25,000 ($340) or imprisonment of up to three months for violators.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the ban reduced plastic bag usage by
70% in the country. Rwanda implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags in 2008. The
government imposes fines of up to RWF 5000 ($5) for violators. According to a study by the
United Nations, the ban reduced plastic bag usage by 90% in the country.
In conclusion, the ban on single-use plastic bags has been implemented in several countries,
including Pakistan, with varying degrees of success. All countries try their best to tackle this
problem but in Pakistan, this problem is not properly handled in a specified way because middle-
class people are not fully aware of the harmful effects of plastic wastage. Government should
start social media campaigns and aware people through television ads about the ban on single-
use of plastic bags in Pakistan. The ban has led to a significant reduction in plastic bag usage in
most countries, ranging from 70-90%. The success of the ban largely depends on the
government's commitment to enforcing the policy and imposing strict fines and penalties on
violators.
Conducting Evaluation:
Plastic bag usage is a major environmental concern in Pakistan. In an effort to prevent
environmental pollution, the Pakistani government banned single-use plastic bags in 2019. This
strategy, however, has had mixed success, and there are still considerable gaps in its
implementation. The reduction of plastic pollution was one of the primary reasons for the ban.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Pakistan creates an estimated
20 million tonnes of solid garbage per year, with plastic accounting for 50 percent of this total.
Because plastic garbage may take up to 500 years to degrade, it poses a huge threat to the
environment, particularly marine life. The ban on single-use plastic bags was designed to
decrease plastic waste and promote the usage of reusable bags. However, policy implementation
has been delayed and unequal. Despite the ban, plastic bags are nevertheless widely accessible in
many regions of the country, especially in rural areas.
One of the primary obstacles in executing the strategy is a lack of public knowledge. Many
individuals are uninformed of the environmental effect of plastic bags, and they are often
unaware of the alternatives that are available. Furthermore, the restriction is not being enforced,
and many merchants continue to supply plastic bags with no repercussions. Another concern is a
lack of recycling and waste management facilities. Pakistan has minimal recycling capability,
and the majority of plastic trash ends up in landfills or the environment. The ban on single-use
plastic bags is unlikely to have a substantial impact in the absence of a comprehensive waste
management system. Despite these difficulties, the prohibition has had some good consequences.
According to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) survey done in 2020, there has been a considerable
decline in plastic bag usage in key cities such as Karachi and Lahore. According to the report,
the restriction cut plastic bag consumption by up to 80% in some places.
Recommendations:
However, considerable effort has to be done in order to effectively execute the strategy and
fulfill its goals. They are some suggestions that should be explored to increase the efficacy of
Pakistan's ban on single-use plastic bags. Firstly, a deliberate effort is needed to raise public
understanding of the environmental effect of plastic bags and the alternatives available. Public
awareness campaigns, school education initiatives, and community participation might all fall
under this category. Secondly, the government should increase enforcement of the prohibition
and impose fines for noncompliance. This might include frequent inspections of stores and
marketplaces, as well as fines for anyone caught distributing plastic bags.
The government should invest in waste management infrastructure, such as recycling facilities
and garbage collecting systems. Partnerships with the commercial sector and international
organizations might be formed to pool resources and expertise. And the government should
stimulate the development of environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bags, such as
reusable bags, biodegradable bags and paper bags. This might include offering incentives to
firms that develop and implement these alternatives.
Finally, while the ban on single-use plastic bags in Pakistan has the potential to cut pollution,
implementation has been delayed and unequal. To fully realize the policy's aims, increased
public knowledge, tougher enforcement, and improved waste management are required. Pakistan
may make headway in reducing plastic trash and protecting the environment for future
generations by implementing the ideas stated above.
References:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-moves-to-ban-single-use-
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https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/4-ways-pakistan-is-tackling-plastic-waste-and-
pollution/
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