Islamabad, October 14,2026: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has decided to constitute a joint committee comprising representatives of the Chamber, market associations, traders and relevant business sectors to engage with authorities and seek a practical solution to issues related to PET bottles and plastic shopping bag regulations.
The decision was taken at a consultative meeting chaired by ICCI President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, who categorically stated that the insult, humiliation and harassment of traders would not be tolerated. He urged the authorities to enforce environmental regulations through consultation, fairness and respect for the business community.
Addressing the meeting, Zikria Akbar Zia said traders played a vital role in sustaining economic activity, generating employment and contributing to government revenues, and their legitimate concerns must be taken seriously.
Expressing concern over reports of raids, arrests and the sealing of business premises, he said abrupt enforcement without adequate consultation or reasonable notice created unnecessary hardship and uncertainty. He proposed that traders be issued prior notices and given a reasonable opportunity to rectify violations before coercive measures were taken.
He also called for clear guidelines and effective coordination among the relevant departments, stressing that the business community was not opposed to environmental protection or compliance with the law but wanted workable policies supported by affordable alternatives, adequate preparation time and practical implementation arrangements.
The ICCI president noted that grocery stores, dairy retailers, restaurants, wholesalers and beverage businesses had different operational requirements that needed to be considered before restrictions were imposed on PET bottles, plastic shopping bags and other packaging materials.
He called for stronger recycling systems, public awareness and a phased transition towards alternatives, maintaining that environmental objectives could be achieved more effectively through cooperation than indiscriminate enforcement.
Reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to protecting traders’ interests, he said the proposed joint committee would consolidate the business community’s concerns and recommendations and facilitate structured engagement with the authorities.
He urged market associations and trade bodies to unite on a common platform, adding that legal consultation, meetings with senior government officials and other appropriate measures would be considered in consultation with stakeholders.
ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chattah said the meeting had been convened to hear traders’ concerns and develop a collective strategy to resolve the issue.
He urged participants to demonstrate unity, respect differing viewpoints and pursue a practical solution through constructive engagement. He clarified that the objective was not confrontation with government institutions but fair implementation of regulations that took into account businesses’genuine concerns and operational challenges.
ICCI Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan Swati stressed that unity among traders and market associations was essential to addressing the challenges arising from the regulations. He called for a coordinated approach under the Chamber’s leadership, emphasising collective representation, consistent enforcement, mutual respect and meaningful consultation.
Former ICCI president Sardar Tahir Mehmood, All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran President Ajmal Baloch, Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan President Kashif Chaudhry and other representatives of market associations and business sectors expressed serious concern over reported raids, arrests, shop sealing and the limited availability of affordable alternatives to plastic shopping bags and packaging materials.
Participants highlighted the potential impact of abrupt enforcement on small retailers, dairy shops, restaurants, wholesale markets and businesses holding substantial inventories. They called for clear, product-specific guidelines, phased implementation, improved recycling arrangements and meaningful consultation with affected industries.
They also stressed the need for coordinated legal and administrative engagement to address alleged harassment while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
The meeting concluded with a collective call for dialogue, unity and a balanced approach that protects the environment without undermining legitimate businesses and livelihoods.
ICCI reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with the relevant authorities through the proposed joint committee to pursue a fair, transparent and sustainable solution, emphasising that environmental protection and economic activity must go hand in hand, with the dignity of the business community remaining a fundamental consideration in enforcement measures.
