Pakistan prioritizes circular economy to boost sustainability, waste management

Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, underscored Pakistan’s continuous efforts to enhance its waste management framework and advance sustainability through the formulation of a Circular Economy Policy. This initiative is designed to integrate circular economy principles into national policies, encourage eco-friendly industrial practices, and promote the adoption of green technologies.

Speaking at the event “Advancing Circular Economy: Pakistan–Türkiye Partnership for Sustainability,” Ms. Romina emphasized the significance of the challenge, noting Pakistan’s considerable progress in combating plastic pollution. “Pakistan has effectively enforced a ban on single-use plastics and polythene bags, marking a significant milestone,” she stated.Pakistan, EU agree to continue cooperation on food, climate change challenges

The circular economy approach aims to minimize waste while optimizing resource utilization, ensuring that materials and products are continuously repurposed. This strategy aids in conserving natural resources, cutting down waste, and mitigating environmental degradation.

Ms. Romina highlighted that the restriction on single-use plastics has led to a decrease in plastic bag usage from 80% to 58%. However, she acknowledged the difficulties in enforcement due to capacity constraints and emphasized the need for supplementary measures such as consumer awareness campaigns and the provision of sustainable alternatives.

Pakistan generates approximately 49.6 million tons of solid waste annually, with a yearly increase of more than 2.4%. The country struggles with inadequate waste management infrastructure, which exacerbates environmental challenges.

Ms. Romina recognized Pakistan’s environmental issues, including pollution, inefficient waste disposal, and depletion of resources. She stressed that shifting to a circular economy could yield major environmental benefits, such as waste reduction and resource preservation. However, she acknowledged that achieving full environmental sustainability is a long-term objective. “We remain committed to advancing this agenda through progressive policies, improved recycling mechanisms, and more effective waste management strategies,” she asserted.

She also noted that Pakistan is the first South Asian country to introduce the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership initiative to combat plastic pollution. The program, starting with a pilot project in Islamabad, aims to eliminate plastic bags and cut down plastic production by 600,000 kilograms per year.

Ms. Alam emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in reducing non-biodegradable waste and ensuring the proper disposal of industrial waste. She also advocated for a comprehensive national data management system, integrated with provincial and district administrations, to improve waste handling and policy implementation.

She further outlined that waste management improvement—particularly tackling plastic pollution and ensuring waste segregation at the source—is one of Pakistan’s top environmental priorities. She reinforced the importance of circular economy principles, such as reduce, reuse, and recycle, in overcoming the country’s waste challenges.

Additionally, Ms. Alam praised the collaboration between Pakistan and Türkiye, emphasizing the vast potential for joint initiatives. She acknowledged Türkiye’s Zero Waste initiative, spearheaded by H.E. Emine Erdoğan, as a model of success, having significantly increased recycling rates, minimized waste, and encouraged sustainable practices across multiple sectors.

Despite the existing obstacles, Ms. Alam reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to global climate action and adherence to international agreements. “We are committed to the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities, equity, and climate justice, aligning our climate policies with the 1.5°C goal set in the Paris Agreement,” she stated.

Ms. Alam also extended her appreciation for Türkiye’s continued support, highlighting its role in sharing expertise and best practices with Pakistan. She noted that Türkiye’s provision of advanced equipment for waste treatment, segregation, and composting reflects the strong bond between the two nations. “This will significantly enhance Pakistan’s waste management capacity and marks a new milestone in our bilateral relations,” she emphasized.

Concluding her remarks, Ms. Alam expressed gratitude to Her Excellency Emine Erdoğan for her leadership and unwavering commitment to environmental protection. “Your initiatives serve as a source of inspiration for Pakistan as we advance towards a more sustainable future,” she remarked.