The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Islamabad Capital Territory (Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers) Bill, 2026, today, on Tuesday.
As a result of it, the use of plastic covers on books in Islamabad has been banned. The new law came into effect immediately after approval.
Under the law, anyone found violating the ban for the first time will face a fine of Rs50,000.
What plastic book covers ban in Islamabad means
According to the bill, a book is any printed material with more than two pages. This includes educational, professional, entertainment, or other printed material that are meant for sale.
The law also defines a plastic cover as any transparent or non-transparent plastic sheet that is used to cover books. It includes covers that are made fully or partly from plastic.
According to the bill, no person will be allowed to sell, distribute, or display books covered with plastic within the limits of the federal capital, Islamabad. Anyone who is found to be breaking the law can face legal consequences under the Act.
According to the details, the ban was applied to reduce environmental pollution and protect the people from the harmful side effects of plastic.
The bill also says that Pakistan makes millions of tons of plastic waste every year. A big amount of this waste does not break down naturally. This means it ends up damaging land, water, and wildlife.
Lawmakers said that plastic may offer short-term ease, but it causes serious environmental damage as time passes.
Under the new law, schools and educational institutions will be asked to use paper or other biodegradable materials instead of plastic covers.
Environmental experts say that reducing plastic use in schools will help raise awareness among students. It will also support environmental safety across the country.
The main purpose of the law is to protect from plastic pollution. And to help create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
