THE country has practically become a dumping ground for the international community, with thousands of tons of hazardous waste dumped every year. Compounding matters is our lack of ability to separate ordinary and hazardous waste, leading to serious environmental and health issues.

Our waters remain polluted and marine life is in acute danger, which is not a good sign for Pakistan. Last year, 85,000 tons of hazardous waste were dumped in Pakistan. In 2019 alone, 624 such containers were dumped along the Pakistani coast, and the private party that imported the waste could not be traced.

It is questionable whether the contents of the solid waste are reviewed before issuing the relevant No Objection Certificate (NOC) to importers. As many as 40 NOCs were issued to private parties last year for importing hazardous waste into the country. For a country that does not have the capacity to manage its own waste, it is quite extraordinary to import waste.

Pakistan produces millions of tons of solid waste every year, 15-20% of which is hazardous. Now, while several countries and private parties are also contributing to this dangerous activity, it only adds to the misery of the people.

It is imperative to take concrete action against those who issue NOCs to private parties and countries for dumping their hazardous products here. If this is not done today, we will be nothing less than a dustbin or a dumping ground for the world.

Ahsanullah Mengal
Center

Posted in Dawn, July 28, 2022