Commerce Desk
Islamabad :The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has decided to form a joint committee of Chamber officials, market associations, traders and business sectors to engage authorities on PET bottle and plastic shopping bag regulations. The decision came at a consultative meeting chaired by ICCI President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, who said the insult, humiliation and harassment of traders would not be tolerated.
Zia expressed concern over raids, arrests and shop sealings, saying abrupt enforcement without consultation or notice causes hardship. He proposed prior notices and a chance to fix violations before coercive action. He stressed that traders support environmental protection but need affordable alternatives, adequate preparation time, stronger recycling systems, public awareness and a phased transition.
He urged market associations to unite on a common platform and said legal consultation and meetings with senior officials would be considered.
Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chattah and Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan Swati backed unity and fair, consistent enforcement. Representatives of market associations called for product-specific guidelines, phased implementation and better recycling arrangements.
