ISLAMABAD, October 19, 2026: The Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) has urged the Islamabad administration to clarify whether plastic beverage bottles are covered by restrictions on single-use plastics, warning that uncertainty over the regulations has prompted some retailers to stop stocking bottled water, juices and soft drinks.
CAP Islamabad and North Pakistan Chapter Chairman Riaz Asher Siddiqui said confusion over the legal status of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles was creating difficulties for consumers and businesses in the federal capital.
In a statement issued on Monday, Siddiqui called on the authorities to issue clear instructions to enforcement officials and retailers, maintaining that existing regulations do not prohibit the sale of beverages packaged in PET bottles.
He said reports of a deadlock between the government and multinational companies over PET bottles had added to uncertainty among shopkeepers, with some retailers removing bottled beverages from their shelves as a precaution.
CAP says Islamabad plastic regulations do not ban PET bottles
Referring to the Islamabad Capital Territory Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023, Siddiqui said the restrictions covered six categories of plastic products but did not include PET beverage bottles.
According to his interpretation, the prohibited categories include polythene bags, plastic straws, crockery, cutlery, food-service ware and stirrers.
He argued that enforcement measures should distinguish between products explicitly prohibited under the regulations and those subject to recycling requirements.
Siddiqui also referred to Schedule II of the regulations, which he said provides for 50% recycled content from July 1, 2028.
He maintained that the provision reflected an approach focused on recycling and reducing environmental harm rather than imposing a complete ban on PET bottles.
CAP cites reported Pak-EPA clarification
The CAP chairman referred to a clarification reportedly issued by Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) Director Dr Zaigham Abbas, stating that PET bottles were not banned under the existing regulations.
According to Siddiqui, the agency had also communicated its position to the Islamabad Capital Territory administration.
He said a clear official directive was needed to ensure that enforcement staff, retailers and consumers understood the applicable rules.
The association’s interpretation of the regulations and the reported Pak-EPA clarification were presented in CAP’s statement. The Islamabad administration’s response was not included.
Association seeks intervention from Islamabad chief commissioner
Siddiqui said CAP had formally approached Islamabad Chief Commissioner Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf, requesting instructions to relevant authorities and field staff to address the confusion.
The association has also sought a meeting with the chief commissioner to discuss the implementation of plastic regulations and their impact on consumers and businesses.
CAP requested that no coercive action be taken against retailers dealing in PET-packaged beverages until the regulatory position is clarified at a proposed expert-level meeting next week.
“Our request is for clarification, not confrontation,” Siddiqui said.
He emphasised that the association supported environmental protection measures but believed enforcement should remain consistent with the law.
CAP backs plastic pollution controls and recycling
The association reaffirmed its support for Islamabad’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and improve environmental standards, including initiatives undertaken in connection with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
Siddiqui said CAP supported strict enforcement against prohibited plastic products and measures to encourage recycling under the Polluter Pays Principle.
However, he stressed that environmental regulations should be implemented without unnecessarily restricting products that are not legally prohibited.
He said clearer communication between regulators, enforcement authorities and businesses would help prevent disruption to retail operations and protect consumer access to bottled beverages.
The association expressed hope that the Islamabad administration would resolve the matter promptly and provide clarity on the rules governing PET bottles.