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Supreme Court of Pakistan Demands Immediate Climate Change Action from Federal and Provincial Authorities

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Supreme Court of Pakistan Demands Immediate Climate Change Action from Federal and Provincial Authorities

Islamabad 05-07-2024: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a strong directive to the Federal and Provincial Governments to take immediate and concrete actions to address the looming threats of climate change, emphasizing the existential danger it poses to the country.

In a hearing presided over by Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Mr. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Mr. Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, the Court scrutinized the efforts and preparedness of the Ministry of Climate Change and the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

The Ministry of Climate Change, represented by Ms. Roomina Khursheed Alam, confirmed that advertisements for five posts under the Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017, have been issued, receiving 752 applications. These positions are to be filled within two weeks, and the notification of the constituted Authority must be submitted by the next hearing.

The Court found that the Ministry of Climate Change lacked a Concrete Policy and Effective Measures to Combat Climate Change. While NDMA and PDMA were cited as involved, the Court noted these are Disaster Management bodies and stressed the need for Preventive Climate Policies. The Ministry must present its Climate Change Policy and actions taken at the next hearing.

The Chief Secretaries from Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan failed to present clear strategies or substantial actions to tackle climate change. They are required to submit their respective climate change strategies and action plans before the next hearing.

None of the recent Provincial Budgets allocated funds specifically for Climate Change. Punjab cited a $50 million loan from the Asian Development Bank for a Climate Change Fund but failed to provide supporting documents.

The Court highlighted the severe threat climate change poses to Pakistan, affecting Fundamental Rights. With the Monsoon Season approaching and the Nation still recovering from the 2022 floods, the lack of action and resource allocation was deemed alarming.

Relevant officials, including Ms. Roomina Khursheed Alam and Provincial Chief Secretaries, are ordered to appear at the next hearing on July 15, 2024, to report on their strategies and actions. Ms. Ayesha Khan, Regional Managing Director of Acumen, is appointed as Amicus Curiae to assist the Court. The order will be sent to the Prime Minister's Secretariat for review.

The Supreme Court's directive underscores the critical need for Pakistan to implement comprehensive Climate Change Policies and allocate necessary resources to safeguard its future against environmental threats.