The National Assembly has passed the “Islamabad Capital Territory (Ban on Plastic Covers for Books) Act 2026,” introducing a complete ban on plastic wrapping for books within the federal capital.
The legislation prohibits the sale, distribution, or use of books covered in plastic within Islamabad. Under the law, first-time violators will face fines of up to Rs50,000, while repeat offences may attract penalties of up to Rs100,000.
The bill, aimed at reducing plastic use in educational institutions and schools, was presented in the National Assembly by Syed Naveed Qamar of the Pakistan Peoples Party. It had already been approved by the Senate before its passage in the lower house.
According to the bill’s text, designated inspection officers will have the authority to conduct on-spot checks, seize non-compliant material, and impose fines.
However, exemptions will apply to biodegradable materials, hardback book covers, and protective covers used for rare or archival books.
The law is part of broader efforts to discourage the use of single-use plastics and promote environmentally friendly practices in educational settings across Islamabad.