Social media in Pakistan proves its strength

A controversial decision to make plastic wrapping over all checked in luggage mandatory at Pakistan airports was withdrawn less than one day after it was announced.
The decision waded into controversy amid heavy criticism by frequent flyers concerned about delays and costs and environmentalists worried about the negative consequences of the massive use of plastic.
On Sunday, several media reported that Shahrukh Nusrat, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said that wrapping baggage was now mandatory at all airports, citing safety.
“For this purpose, new plastic-wrapping machines are being installed on an urgent basis,” he was quoted as saying.
However, the reaction to the announcement was as swift as decisive.
“Just came across a very illogical notification issued by the CAA,” Jahangir Khan Tareen, who introduces himself as businessman, farmer, philanthropist and politician, posted on his Twitter account.
“Forcing passengers to wrap their luggage is not on. People should have the right to decide whether they want their luggage wrapped or not. The notification should be withdrawn asap,” Tareen told his 3.3 million followers.
For environmentalist and renewable energy expert Faisal Ashfaq, the use of plastic should be reduced, not promoted.
“World is adopting zero tolerance towards plastic use while we are doing the opposite. Mandatory wrapping of Check In baggage at all Airports will only create tons of extra plastic waste. Bad Move by whosoever sanctioned it,” he posted.
“In Rwanda, if a passenger lands at the airport with his baggage wrapped in plastic, he cannot go out unless he unwraps plastic off his luggage. There is zero tolerance for plastic usage in Rwanda. And here we are promoting plastic usage by making mandatory wrapping at airports.”
Social media was also used by the government to insist that the decision had been taken by the federal government and that it had been revoked anyway.

The note revoking the controversial mandatory plastic wrapping decision

“The incorrect notification withdrawn – as I had said this morning it was never a federal govt decision,” Shireen Mazari, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, posted.
“Will ask to have an inquiry as to how and who in CAA put out such a notification. All bureaucracy should know that Federal Govt means Cabinet! This issue never discussed!”
The notice announcing the withdrawal of the incorrect notification was also posted.
The whole episode was the latest example in Pakistan of how potent social media can be in taking up causes and clarifying issues.