Islamabad Capital Territory (Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers) Act, 2026

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THE ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY (PROHIBITION OF 
PLASTIC BOOK COVERS) ACT, 2026 
 
CONTENTS 
1.  Short title, extent, and commencement 
2.  Definitions 
3.  Prohibition of plastic covers for books 
4.  Penalty 
5.  Power to make rules 
6.  Repeal 
 

 
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THE ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY (PROHIBITION OF PLASTIC BOOK 
COVERS) ACT, 2026 
ACT NO. OF 2026 
[21st May, 2026] 
AN 
ACT 
to prohibit the use of plastic covers on books sold in the Islamabad Capital Territory 
WHEREAS it is expedient to safeguard the environment by prohibiting the use of plastic covers on 
books and to promote sustainable packaging practices; 
It is hereby enacted as follows:— 
1. Short title, extent, and commencement. —(1) This Act shall be called the Islamabad Capital 
Territory (Prohibition of Plastic Book Covers) Act, 2026. 
(2) It shall extend to the Islamabad Capital Territory. 
(3) It shall come into force at once. 
2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,— 
(a)  “Book” means any printed literary work, consisting of more than two pages binded 
either permanently or temporarily, howsoever big or small, meant for any 
educational, professional, recreational or otherwise purpose and offered for sale; 
(b)  “Plastic cover ” means any single -use plastic sheet, film or wrapping, whether 
transparent or opaque, used for covering books, made wholly or partially of plastic 
materials and which is affixed to or sold with a book; 
(c)  “Prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; 
(d)  “Sale” means delivery of books to anyone either permanently or temporarily 
whether in lieu of consideration or otherwise; 
(e)  “Seller” includes any person whether natural or artificial including  but not 
limited to any individual, business, publisher, distributer, retailer, company, 
firm or other legal entity engaged in dealing with the books whether in lieu of 
any consideration or otherwise, the sale of books to the public, whether through 
physical premises or via an online platform; and 
(f)  “Territory” means the Islamabad Capital Territory. 
 
 
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3. Prohibition of plastic covers for books. —(1) No seller shall sell, offer for sale or otherwise 
distribute any book within the Territory that is encased, wrapped, or covered in a plastic cover which is 
meant only for carrying purposes. 
(2) The prohibition of sub-section (1) shall not apply to- 
(a) packaged in materials certified as biodegradable or compostable in accordance with 
prescribed environmental standards; 
 
(b)  covered with reusable, non -plastic materials intended for long -term personal or 
institutional use; 
 
(c)  enclosed in archival, pres ervation or protective packaging for rare, antique or 
precious items for collectible purposes, as may be prescribed; 
 
(d)  designed with plastic components that form an integral and necessary part of their 
construction, such as laminated hardback covers; 
 
(e)  part of a special collection, library, or archive requiring plastic covering for 
preservation, in accordance with guidelines issued by the competent authority; or 
 
(f)  Books themselves are made of such material or such material is part of the books 
in any manner whatsoever. 
 
4. Penalty.—(1) Any seller who contravenes the provisions of section 3 shall be guilty of an offence 
under this Act. 
 
(2) A person convicted of an offence under this Act shall be liable to— 
 
(a)  a fine not exceeding Rupees fifty thousand for a first offence; and 
 
(b)  a fine not exceeding Rupees one hundred thousand for any subsequent offence. 
 
(3) The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration shall designate authorized officers to inspect 
premises, seize prohibited materials and issue penalties in accordance with the provision of this Act. 
(4) The penalties shall be issued at the spot in terms of section 263 Chapter XXII of the Code 
of Criminal Procedure, 1898. 
5. Power to make rules.—(1) The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, 
make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act.— 
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for,— 
(a) the manner in which exemptions under sub-section (2) of section 3 may be granted; 
(b)  the procedure for the enforcement of this Act and the imposition of penalties; 
 
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(c)  the appointment of enforcement officers and their powers and duties; and 
(d)  any other matter necessary for the implementation of this Act. 
6. Repeal.—All other laws, rules, and regulations, to the extent that they are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed. 
 
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 RGN Dated: 11-06-2026