 Plastic pollution has become one of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental
challenges. Single-use plastics, especially polythene bags, make up a major portion of municipal waste and are a leading cause of clogged drains, urban flooding, soil contamination, and harm to livestock and marine life.
 To tackle this, both federal and provincial governments have introduced plastic bag bans at different times. Islamabad was the first to enforce a ban in 2019, followed by provinces like Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, each with
their own legislation and enforcement mechanisms.
 However, weak implementation, lack of alternatives, and limited public awareness have slowed progress. Comparing these laws helps highlight gaps in enforcement,
differences in scope, and opportunities for stronger nationwide action against
single-use plastics.