The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan recently held a pivotal one-day conference titled “Navigating Climate Governance, Executive Action, and Judicial Oversight” at the Supreme Court in Islamabad. The event brought together judges, legal experts, academics, researchers, and environmental specialists to address the pressing challenges of climate change and explore the role of governance and judiciary in climate action.
Keynote Address by Chief Justice of Pakistan
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, serving as the Chief Guest, emphasized the urgency of adopting sustainable lifestyles to combat climate change. He suggested innovative eco-friendly measures such as providing bicycles to judges, inspired by practices in the Netherlands and Denmark, to reduce carbon footprints.
Conference Inspired by COP29 and Regional Cooperation
The event drew inspiration from Azerbaijan’s upcoming hosting of COP29 in November 2024. COP29 aims to maintain greenhouse gas emissions within international standards and foster regional collaboration for climate resilience.
Panel Discussions on Climate Challenges and Governance
Pakistan’s Climate Risks and Adaptation Needs
The first panel highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate threats including glacial lake outburst floods, droughts, crop failures, and urban heatwaves. Experts called for strong government leadership and proactive adaptation strategies.
Federal and Provincial Roles Post-18th Amendment
The second panel focused on climate governance following Pakistan’s 18th Amendment, emphasizing the need for localized actions and empowering local governments for effective climate management.
Judicial Role in Climate Governance
The final panel, titled “Courting Climate Change,” explored the judiciary’s critical role in climate oversight. Discussions centered on the necessity of vulnerability mapping and stronger local governance to support climate resilience.
Insights from Climate and Legal Experts
-
Eazaz Dar, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, stressed collective responsibility and addressed governance challenges in accessing climate finance.
-
Hammad Naqi Khan from WWF-Pakistan highlighted bureaucratic obstacles hindering global climate fund access.
-
Muhammad Idrees Mahsud (NDMA) called for stronger disaster management amid shifting weather patterns.
-
Attorney General Mansoor Awan underscored the need for timely establishment of the Climate Change Authority and robust local governance.
-
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador H.E. Khazar Farhadov shared insights on COP29 preparations, emphasizing international mobilization.
-
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri (SDPI) advocated for an independent, financially empowered climate authority.
-
Former Climate Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam focused on water scarcity as a critical climate challenge.
-
Judges Mansoor Ali Shah, Ayesha A. Malik, and Jawad Hasan linked climate justice with human rights, emphasizing judicial enforcement and climate finance security.
Pakistan’s Judiciary and Environmental Justice
Pakistan’s judiciary has long upheld the right to a healthy environment as part of fundamental human rights such as life and dignity. Landmark rulings have enforced government accountability in environmental protection, access to clean water, and climate action.
Conclusion: Strengthening Climate Governance in Pakistan
The conference marked a milestone in Pakistan’s climate governance journey, highlighting the importance of executive action, judicial oversight, and sustainable practices. It reinforced the nation’s commitment to climate justice, emphasizing local governance, climate finance, and judicial engagement to protect vulnerable communities and achieve sustainable development goals.
