Pakistan, June 5 -- Plastic pollution is one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time. It refers to the accumulation of plastic materials-such as bags, bottles, containers, and microplastics (tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size)-in the environment. These materials do not decompose; instead, they persist for hundreds of years, accumulating in landfills, waterways, and natural ecosystems. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually. Plastics are used in nearly every sector-from construction and agriculture to healthcare, textiles, packaging, and electronics-making them both indispensable and difficult to manage.

When dis...