Islamabad Plastic Crackdown Targets D. Watson, Shaheen Chemist

ISLAMABAD, October 12, 2026: Islamabad’s district administration has intensified its citywide campaign against prohibited plastic shopping bags, reporting 3,246 inspections, the seizure of 2,944 kilograms of polythene bags, 481 arrests and the closure of 35 shops since October 2.

In a significant development during the ongoing enforcement campaign, two prominent retail outlets in Islamabad’s upscale Sector F-6 — D. Watson Store and Shaheen Chemist & Grocery Store — have reportedly been sealed over alleged repeated use of prohibited plastic shopping bags and non-compliance with administrative directions.

The reported action against the two well-known retailers has drawn attention across the capital’s business community, with traders expressing concern and reportedly discussing a collective response to the enforcement measures.

3,246 Inspections, 481 Arrests and 35 Shops Sealed

According to cumulative figures supplied by the Islamabad district administration, enforcement teams have conducted 3,246 inspections across the federal capital since the campaign began on October 2.

The administration reported the following results:

• 3,246 inspections conducted at commercial and other relevant locations.
• 2,944 kilograms of polythene shopping bags confiscated.
• 481 arrests reported during the campaign.
• 35 shops sealed over reported violations of applicable restrictions.

The reported figures illustrate the scale of the enforcement exercise, which has extended to retailers, wholesale dealers, distributors, suppliers and manufacturing facilities.

Administrative teams have been conducting inspections in different parts of the capital to identify the use, distribution and supply of prohibited plastic shopping bags.

Officials say the campaign will continue through daily inspections and coordinated enforcement activities.

D. Watson and Shaheen Chemist Outlets Reportedly Sealed

The reported closure of D. Watson and Shaheen Chemist & Grocery Store in Sector F-6 represents one of the most prominent developments in the capital’s latest environmental enforcement campaign.

According to information received, the two establishments were targeted after allegedly continuing to use prohibited polythene shopping bags despite government restrictions and administrative instructions.

Enforcement teams reportedly moved to close the relevant retail premises following the alleged violations.

Both brands are familiar names in Islamabad’s retail market, serving customers seeking pharmaceutical products, personal-care items and groceries.

The reported action is significant because it indicates that the administration’s enforcement campaign is not limited to small shops and roadside businesses but also extends to established commercial outlets.

The reported closures relate to specific F-6 premises and do not establish that other branches of either retail brand have been closed.

Individual sealing orders and detailed inspection records for the two outlets were not independently available at the time of reporting.

Administration Says Every Confiscated Bag Is Accounted For

The Islamabad district administration has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a complete record of plastic shopping bags confiscated during the campaign.

According to officials, each confiscated bag is accounted for to prevent prohibited material from returning to the market.

The administration says that recordkeeping is an important part of ensuring that confiscated polythene products do not re-enter commercial circulation.

The enforcement measures are intended to address not only the use of prohibited bags at retail counters but also their wider supply and distribution within the capital.

Officials have maintained that action will continue against businesses found violating applicable restrictions, regardless of their commercial standing.

Enforcement Extends to Factories and Suppliers

The campaign has also targeted the production and supply of polythene shopping bags.

In earlier operations, the district administration and environmental enforcement teams conducted inspections of plastic manufacturing facilities and commercial distribution points.

On October 9, authorities reported confiscating approximately 1,450 kilograms of plastic bags during operations involving three factories in Islamabad’s industrial area. Six people, including factory owners, were reportedly arrested.

Other daily enforcement operations have involved inspections of retail establishments, confiscation of restricted shopping bags and administrative measures against businesses accused of non-compliance.

The broader initiative is being coordinated by the Islamabad administration as part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastic products.

Government Targets Plastic-Free Islamabad by December 31

The enforcement campaign comes as the federal government pursues a wider objective of making Islamabad plastic-free by December 31, 2026.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has outlined plans to strengthen restrictions on plastic shopping bags and other covered products as part of the capital’s environmental programme.

Pakistan’s existing single-use plastic restrictions provide the regulatory background for inspections and compliance measures.

However, the scope of restrictions differs by product category, and certain packaging products remain subject to exemptions.

A senior Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency official also stated on October 12 that traders had been given until October 20 to return single-use plastic bags to manufacturers and switch to alternatives.

The relationship between that transition period and the reported sealing of the F-6 outlets has not yet been independently clarified.

Traders Express Concern Over Store Closures

The reported closure of prominent commercial outlets has generated concern among sections of Islamabad’s trading community.

According to information received, business representatives have begun consultations regarding a possible collective response to the ongoing enforcement campaign.

The developments have brought attention to the challenges businesses may face when replacing existing stocks of polythene shopping bags with alternative packaging materials.

The administration’s environmental objectives and the business community’s concerns are likely to remain important aspects of the public discussion surrounding the campaign.

No formal joint decision or statement from a named traders’ association was available at the time of publication.

Administration Urges Public Cooperation

The Islamabad district administration has appealed to residents, shopkeepers, wholesalers, suppliers and manufacturers to support the Plastic-Free Islamabad campaign.

Officials have encouraged businesses to adopt reusable bags and environmentally responsible alternatives while urging consumers to avoid prohibited shopping bags.

The administration maintains that public participation is essential to reducing plastic pollution, protecting urban surroundings and making the federal capital cleaner and greener.

It has also indicated that regular inspections and enforcement activities will continue to ensure compliance with applicable environmental restrictions.

With thousands of inspections already reported and prominent retail outlets facing administrative action, the campaign has become a major environmental enforcement initiative in Islamabad.

The administration’s latest figures underline the scale of the operation, while the reported closures of D. Watson and Shaheen Chemist highlight the importance of transparent enforcement, clear compliance requirements and continued engagement with the business community.

At the time of publication, independent confirmation of the individual F-6 sealing orders and responses from the management of the two businesses remained outstanding.