ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed to formulate a comprehensive plan to reduce dependence on imported plastic scrap.

In this regard, he directed to take inspiration from the waste import ban of China. China’s waste import ban, instated in 2017, prevented foreign inflows of waste products.

Starting in early 2018, the government of China banned the import of several types of waste, including plastics.

Chairing a meeting on waste management, the prime minister said environmental protection was the top priority of the government.

The meeting was briefed that Pakistan generates 30 million tonnes of waste annually at the municipal level. It was highlighted that the plastic waste accounts for 10 per cent to 14 per cent of the total waste and would double by 2050.

The prime minister was apprised that only 30 per cent of the 3.9 million tonnes of plastic waste produced in 2020, was recycled.

Also, Pakistan imported 35,651 tonnes of plastic worth Rs2.4 billion in the last financial year.

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