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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #135

Pakistan

No national ban. Pakistan has been increasing imports of chrysotile asbestos and has sided with Russia, India, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to block the inclusion of chrysotile in the Rotterdam Convention's Prior Informed Consent list. The International Chrysotile Association has actively lobbied against proposed bans. Trade union activists and the SDPI have called for an immediate ban on all forms of asbestos.

—No Ban
—
No ban in place
—
Mesothelioma Rate
—
Data not available
1980s-present
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 2000s

    1. 2005Event

      Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) seminar in Islamabad marks first public calls for a national asbestos import ban

      ↗ Source

  2. 2010s

    1. 2013Event

      International health experts publish statement condemning asbestos industry efforts to prevent a ban in Pakistan, affirming chrysotile is not safe

      ↗ Source
    2. 2015Event

      Pakistan joins Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Zimbabwe to block chrysotile listing in Rotterdam Convention's Prior Informed Consent list

      ↗ Source
    3. 2017Event

      National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) representatives hold press conference demanding immediate ban on all forms of asbestos in Pakistan

      ↗ Source

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement water pipes

MODERATENon-friable

1930–1990

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

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What To Do If You Live Here

  • Asbestos is still legally used in your country.
  • New and older construction alike may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Consult a certified professional before any renovation work.
  • Advocate for stronger asbestos regulations in your region.

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Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →