Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court emphasized that nature financing is critical to addressing Pakistan’s growing climate emergency. Speaking at the Pathways to Development Conference at LUMS, Justice Shah declared that climate finance equals climate justice. He criticized the lack of progress on climate issues despite court orders over the past seven years.
Climate Emergency and Administrative Failures
Justice Shah highlighted that Pakistan ranks as the eighth most-affected country by climate change. However, administrative inaction and misplaced priorities prevent effective responses. He regretted that directives issued by courts, aimed at tackling climate challenges, have largely been ignored.
“Fighting the climate emergency is impossible without nature financing,” Justice Shah stated, calling it a fundamental tool for achieving climate justice and ensuring human rights. He stressed the importance of addressing food security, disaster management, and water shortages, which are worsening due to environmental neglect.
Lack of Implementation on Climate Laws
In 2017, Pakistan enacted a law to combat environmental challenges. Justice Shah pointed out that no authority has been established under this legislation. Additionally, a dedicated climate fund, as required by the law, has yet to be allocated in the national budget. These delays, he said, reflect administrative inefficiency and a lack of urgency in dealing with climate change.
The judge recalled previous environmental interventions, such as the closure of industries in cities during the 1990s, and questioned who ensures that such measures are implemented effectively today. He urged Pakistan to prioritize climate finance as a basic right, which can combat pollution, enhance biodiversity, and safeguard the environment for future generations.
Courts’ Role and Limitations
Justice Shah emphasized that courts have consistently taken climate emergency cases seriously. However, he acknowledged that the judiciary now lacks suo motu powers, limiting its ability to independently initiate environmental interventions. He expressed hope that new authorities and mechanisms would soon address administrative gaps in climate governance.
Read: Breakthrough in Climate-Resilient Farming: New Wheat Varieties Developed in KP
Urbanization Threatens Agricultural Land
In the second session on land rights, Punjab Advocate General Khalid Ishaq raised concerns over rapid urbanization consuming vast tracts of agricultural land. He criticized the absence of a comprehensive master plan for districts outside Lahore, leading to unplanned development.
Ishaq highlighted the alarming trend of amenity plots being converted into residential areas, even in established housing schemes. He called for stricter enforcement of land acquisition laws to protect agricultural and green spaces.
Illegal Housing Schemes and Land Digitization
The Punjab Advocate General also pointed out that many housing schemes in central Punjab remain illegal and unapproved. He emphasized the need for stronger oversight to curb unregulated urban expansion.
Despite these challenges, Ishaq acknowledged the progress made in digitizing land records across Punjab. Punjab Land Record Authority Director General Ikramul Haq and other officials outlined ongoing efforts to modernize land management systems and improve transparency.
A Call for Action
Justice Shah’s powerful call for nature financing underscores its importance in tackling Pakistan’s climate emergency. Without immediate action, the country risks further environmental and economic crises. Addressing climate justice through effective policies, funding, and implementation remains critical for Pakistan’s sustainable future.
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