ISLAMABAD, October 19, 2026: The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has called on the Islamabad administration to clarify the legal status of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, saying uncertainty over plastic regulations has prompted some retailers to stop stocking bottled beverages.
CAP Islamabad and North Pakistan Chapter Chairman Riaz Asher Siddiqui said the confusion had caused unnecessary inconvenience for consumers and apprehension among retailers selling bottled water, juices and soft drinks.
According to Siddiqui, recent reports about a deadlock between the government and multinational companies over PET bottles have contributed to uncertainty regarding the implementation of single-use plastic regulations in the federal capital.
CAP Says PET Bottles Are Not Covered by Current Ban
Siddiqui said the Islamabad Capital Territory Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023 prohibit six categories of plastic products, including polythene bags, straws, plastic crockery, cutlery, food-service ware and stirrers.
He maintained that the regulations do not impose an outright ban on PET beverage bottles.
He further pointed to Schedule II of the regulations, which provides for 50 percent recycled content in PET products from July 1, 2028. According to CAP, the provision indicates a regulatory focus on recycling and sustainable use rather than an immediate prohibition of PET bottles.
The CAP chairman also referred to a clarification reportedly issued by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) Director Dr. Zaigham Abbas, stating that PET bottles had not been banned and that the position had been communicated to the Islamabad Capital Territory administration.
CAP Supports Environmental Enforcement
CAP said it supports government efforts to make Islamabad more environmentally friendly, including initiatives associated with preparations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.
Siddiqui said the association also supports strict enforcement against prohibited plastic products and greater recycling efforts under the Polluter Pays Principle.
However, he stressed that enforcement should be based on clear legal provisions and should not create unnecessary difficulties for consumers or businesses dealing in products that are not prohibited.
Request for Clear Directive to Field Staff
CAP has formally requested Chief Commissioner Islamabad Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf to issue clear instructions to relevant authorities and field staff to remove uncertainty surrounding PET bottles.
The association has also sought a meeting with the Chief Commissioner to discuss the issue and requested that no coercive action be taken against retailers until an expert-level meeting expected next week clarifies the regulatory position.
“Our request is for clarification, not confrontation,” Siddiqui said.
He added that CAP’s objective was to protect consumer interests while supporting the administration’s efforts to build a cleaner and environmentally responsible Islamabad.
The association expressed hope that the administration would resolve the confusion promptly, allowing retailers to operate without unnecessary apprehension while ensuring consumers continue to have access to bottled beverages.
