The Punjab government has banned shops and businesses from charging customers extra money for plastic shopping bags, according to reports on Monday.
According to the Director General of the Environment Protection Department, the new rule will start to apply from September 6, 2026.
This means that after that, no store or business will be allowed to ask customers to pay separately for plastic shopping bags.
Dr Imran is leading the awareness campaign. He said that many large brands and businesses charge customers for plastic bags that also carry the company’s name and logo. Further, he said that this practice will no longer be allowed under the new rules.
But businesses can still charge customers for reusable bags that have been made from cloth or other environmentally friendly materials.
How to file a complaint
The department also asked the public to report any violations. If a shop or brand charges money for a plastic shopping bag after September 6, people can file a complaint by calling the helpline at 1373.
Officials have also said that strict action will be taken against anyone who breaks the law.
Those who are found violating the rules may face fines ranging from Rs5,000 to Rs50,000.
Businesses that continue to break the law could also be sealed and an FIR may be registered against them.
Punjab ends Friday holiday
Recently, the Punjab government decided to abolish the Friday holiday in the province. According to the announcement, government work across Punjab will continue as normal from tomorrow.
Friday will be a regular working day across the province. All government offices will remain open during their usual working hours.
The Civil Secretariat will also continue its normal operations. All government departments and their offices will stay open and carry on with their routine work.
Government employees have been directed to report to work according to their normal schedules.
