Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has urged the government to address Pakistan’s escalating climate crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for climate diplomacy and financial mechanisms.
Speaking at a seminar on climate change in Lahore, Justice Mansoor expressed grave concern over the lack of substantial progress in the past seven years. He stressed that climate finance is not only crucial but a constitutional necessity for securing the future of Pakistan and ensuring climate justice.
“Climate finance offers a glimmer of hope for Pakistan. It is essential for ensuring security and safeguarding human rights,” Justice Shah stated. He reiterated that Pakistan, ranked as the eighth most climate-vulnerable nation globally, is facing a severe climate emergency, and courts have consistently treated such cases with the utmost seriousness.
Justice Shah criticized the government’s slow implementation of climate policies, pointing to the unfulfilled 2017 legislation that proposed establishing a climate authority and creating a climate fund. “Despite promises, the climate authority remains unformed, and the fund was omitted from the budget. We are merely chasing shadows,” he remarked.
He highlighted administrative gaps as a significant barrier to progress, noting the lack of a coordinated strategy to address critical issues like food security, disaster management, water scarcity, urban planning, and agricultural reform. Justice Shah called for an integrated approach to tackle these interconnected challenges effectively.
Additionally, he acknowledged the limitations imposed by the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which curtailed the judiciary’s ability to take suo motu notice, further complicating efforts to address climate-related matters.
“Climate change is a pressing human rights issue that demands immediate and coordinated action,” Justice Shah emphasized, adding that Pakistan needs to prioritize the climate crisis to secure a sustainable future.
