The Aviation Division has issued directives to 18 international airlines  restricted them from using plastic cutlery in flights.

18 airlines restricted using plastic cutlery in flightsThe airlines are also instructed to ensure that the cutlery is wrapped with paper rather than in plastic or polythene bags.

Senior joint secretary Aviation Division Amjad Sattar Khokhar shared this information in a meeting with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam. The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change was held at the committee room of Parliament House.⠀

Mr Khokhar said. “We have given orders to airlines that they cannot use plastic cutlery in the flights as we want to stop the use of plastic. Furthermore, it is noticed that the cutlery is packed in plastic bags so we have also directed them to ensure that the cutlery should be in paper rather than in polythene”.

He further said we have decided to display message on  standees in this concern at airports so that passengers coming from overseas come to know that the use of plastic bags is banned in Pakistan.

He told  that a written notice was sent to the airlines a few months back and after that reminders were also sent to them to confirm about implementation. All airlines gave positive response on issued notice which shows they have no objection on it But Only China Southern Airlines has questioned from us that under which law should it stop the use of plastic cutlery and we have given them a reply. We expect from Aviation Division would be implemented on orders shortly.

Mr Aslam appreciated the step taken by aviation division and said such messages can also be presented on electronic boards located near airports.