By Abid Chaudhry TWA ______ Islamabad:Pakistan's consumption of plastic bags has reached an alarming 55 billion annually, with a projected increase of 15% each year, according to Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change. Speaking on World Plastic Bag Free Day, Senator Rehman urged the nation to confront the environmental devastation caused by the rampant use of plastic bags. In her message marking International Plastic Bag Free Day, Senator Rehman stressed the critical need for Pakistan to reassess its reliance on plastic bags, which contribute significantly to the country’s growing plastic pollution crisis. She highlighted the severe environmental consequences, including water stagnation, widespread littering, and harm to human, aquatic, and wildlife. "Plastic bags are a serious threat to our environment and public health, taking hundreds of years to decompose and accumulating in our ecosystems," Senator Rehman stated. "Our cities, both large and small, are struggling with the enormous challenge of managing plastic waste." Despite multiple efforts to curb the use of plastic bags, Senator Rehman noted that progress has been hindered by the lack of viable alternatives, slow implementation of policies, and insufficient public awareness. She emphasized the importance of collective action in tackling this issue. "Each citizen must take responsibility by reducing their dependence on plastic products, including bags, and by supporting eco-friendly alternatives," she urged. "Strict adherence to anti-plastic policies is essential if we are to make meaningful progress in this fight." Senator Rehman’s call to action serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for Pakistan to address its plastic pollution problem, which continues to pose a significant threat to the country’s environment and health.