Even though the Sindh government banned single-use polythene bags in June 2025, they are still being sold openly at Khori Garden Market near M.A. Jinnah Road, one of Karachi’s busiest wholesale areas.
Shopkeepers continue to keep these bags behind their counters and at roadside stalls, showing little concern for the rules meant to limit plastic use.
The ban was introduced to cut down on environmental damage and prevent clogged drains, while also encouraging people to switch to more eco-friendly options.
Plastic bags are well known for causing harm to both marine life and land ecosystems when they are thrown away carelessly.
Environmental experts warn that the continued use of these bags weakens conservation efforts. They point out that drains blocked by plastic waste can lead to urban flooding and put wildlife at risk. Officials believe that people’s ongoing dependence on single-use plastics shows the need for stricter enforcement and better awareness campaigns.
According to market observers, the main reasons behind this continued use are convenience and low cost, which appeal to both sellers and buyers despite the environmental impact.
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Authorities have been urging shopkeepers to move towards reusable or biodegradable alternatives, stressing that voluntary action alone is not enough to solve the problem.
The situation at Khori Garden Market highlights the wider difficulties in enforcing environmental laws in busy commercial areas.
Experts say that without proper coordination between enforcement agencies and the public, pollution will continue to threaten Sindh’s waterways and urban neighborhoods.