ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has banned the use of plastic covers for books in the federal capital, Islamabad, enacting sweeping legislation aimed at curbing the country’s growing plastic waste crisis and protecting public health.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers Bill 2026, earlier passed by the Senate and later the National Assembly, declares that plastic book covers pose a “serious threat to both the environment and human health.”
The law takes immediate effect, according to Senator Sherry Rehman, who tabled the bill and has been a leading advocate for the measure.
Happy to report that both Houses of Parliament passed my bill banning #plastic covers on books in Islamabad with immediate effect. In a landmark environmental victory for Islamabad Capital Territory , the Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers Bill, 2026 is a decisive step against… pic.twitter.com/BVzQGh3SZ7
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 13, 2026
Alarming plastic waste statistics
The legislation cites stark figures to justify the ban: Pakistan produces approximately 3.9 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which is non-recyclable. Globally, over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year, with only about nine percent recycled. In Pakistan, the recycling rate stands at a mere three percent, largely managed through the informal sector.
The bill also challenges a long-held belief among students and parents, calling the perception that plastic covers are a durable way to protect books “largely misleading.”
Alternatives and enforcement
Under the new rules, schools and educational institutions across the federal capital will be discouraged from wrapping books in plastic. Instead, the law promotes environmentally friendly alternatives, including:
- Paper-based covers
- Cloth wraps
- Biodegradable materials
Violators face severe penalties. Senator Rehman confirmed that anyone found using or selling prohibited plastic book covers will be subject to fines exceeding Rs50,000. Inspections of major retailers will be intensified to ensure the complete removal of plastic book covers from the market.
Sindh’s parallel move
The federal action follows a similar provincial decision. On April 15, the Sindh government formally approved a province-wide ban on the production, sale, and use of plastic bags, including in Karachi.
According to the Sindh Environment Department, violations will lead to prosecution, arrest, and additional penalties. Officials noted that plastic bags contribute heavily to marine contamination and sewage system blockages.
Decisive step against ‘forever chemicals’
Writing on X, Senator Sherry Rehman hailed the bill’s passage as a ‘landmark environmental measure’ and a decisive step against single-use plastics and toxic “forever chemicals,” which pose long-term risks to public health.
Happy to report that both Houses of Parliament passed my bill banning plastic covers on books in Islamabad with immediate effect. In a landmark environmental victory for Islamabad Capital Territory, the Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers Bill, 2026 is a decisive step against single-use plastics and the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ devastating our health and environment.
Pakistan generates around 3 million tons of plastic waste every year, but only 3% is recycled — mostly by the informal sector. Banning plastic book covers is a positive step; now citizens must also act responsibly.#GreenPakistan pic.twitter.com/5AcI6JhnJC
— SherryRehman’sTeam (@SRehmanOffice) May 13, 2026
“Plastic waste can take up to 1,000 years to decompose,” she warned, “continuing to pollute rivers, drainage systems, landfills, coastal areas and the wider ecosystem.”
Calling plastic pollution one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing urban centers like Islamabad, she urged stricter enforcement and greater adoption of sustainable alternatives.
She also appealed to citizens to report violations and cooperate with authorities to ensure the law’s effective implementation.
“This reflects the seriousness of the environmental emergency facing the country,” she said.
