Islamabad Seals D. Watson and Shaheen Chemist Outlets in F‑6 Over Repeated Use of Banned Plastic Bags

Key points

• Outlets of D. Watson and Shaheen Chemist in Islamabad’s F‑6 sector were sealed by local authorities.
• The closure follows repeated violations of the city’s ban on single‑use plastic shopping bags despite earlier warnings.
• The operation is part of an intensified city‑wide drive to eradicate prohibited plastic items from the federal capital.
• Both stores remain inaccessible while investigations proceed, and officials have cautioned other retailers that non‑compliance will attract similar action.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Environment Protection Department carried out simultaneous raids on the two retail outlets on Thursday morning, sealing the premises and confiscating any remaining plastic bags. Officials said the inspections revealed that both D. Watson, a well‑known pharmacy chain, and Shaheen Chemist continued to distribute the banned bags to customers, contravening the 2020 Islamabad ordinance that outlawed single‑use plastic carriers. The authorities noted that prior notices had been issued to the businesses, yet the prohibited practice persisted.

The crackdown reflects a broader policy shift by the federal government to curb plastic waste, which accounts for a significant share of municipal solid waste in major cities. Since the ban’s implementation, the Capital City Police and municipal bodies have stepped up monitoring, targeting not only large chains but also smaller kiosks that are often the last point of compliance. Failure to adhere can result in fines, suspension of trade licences, or, as in this case, temporary closure pending further inquiry.

For consumers in the affluent F‑6 neighbourhood, the immediate impact is reduced convenience, as the sealed pharmacies will be unavailable until they demonstrate full compliance. Retailers, meanwhile, are being urged to transition to eco‑friendly alternatives such as paper or biodegradable bags, a move that may increase operational costs but aligns with the city’s long‑term sustainability goals. The sealed outlets will remain shut until the CDA confirms that corrective measures—such as the removal of all prohibited plastic stock and staff retraining—have been implemented.

Environmental advocates have welcomed the decisive action, viewing it as a necessary step toward meeting Pakistan’s commitments under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. The enforcement drive in Islamabad is expected to set a precedent for other provincial capitals, where similar bans are being considered or already in force. Continued vigilance and consistent penalties are seen as essential to shift both business practices and public habits away from single‑use plastics.