Pakistan, Aug. 15 -- Efforts to secure a global treaty on plastic pollution collapsed as negotiators from 185 nations failed to agree on a unified strategy after extended discussions in Geneva. Talks stretched beyond the deadline, with a large bloc pushing for reduced plastic production, while oil-producing states insisted on focusing mainly on waste management. The deadlock marked another missed opportunity after five previous failed negotiation rounds over the past three years.

Countries expressed frustration over the outcome, with some blaming a small group of states for obstructing progress. Nations advocating urgent action warned that without cooperation, millions of tonnes of plastic waste would continue to enter oceans, threatenin...