Justice Mansoor Ali Shah warns: Pakistan faces “last warning” on climate crisis, calls for urgent collective action

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Tuesday sounded a stark warning at a national conference on environmental disasters and collective action, declaring that Pakistan is at the edge of a climate catastrophe, and the time for unified, science-backed policy action is now, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Referring to the devastating 2022 floods, rising temperatures, and increasingly unpredictable weather, Justice Shah said these are no longer isolated events but clear consequences of climate change.

“This is Pakistan’s last warning,” he stated bluntly. “We are dangerously behind in climate science, and the fundamental rights of citizens are now at risk because of environmental neglect.”

Highlighting the disconnect between existing institutions like PMD (Pakistan Meteorological Department) and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), Justice Shah criticised the siloed functioning of climate bodies:

“We have the institutions, but unfortunately, they are working alone, without coordination or a unified national climate strategy.”

He called for a comprehensive climate policy and suggested the formation of a dedicated climate court to address urgent environmental and ecological issues.

“There should be a forum where we can legally debate climate matters and enforce responsibility,” he urged.

Justice Shah also emphasised the need for climate data literacy, AI integration, and modern scientific tools to accurately model loss and damage scenarios. “If we don’t embrace AI and modern climate software, we will be left behind,” he warned, calling for immediate reforms in institutions like PMD.

“PMD must evolve from merely predicting rainfall to leading national efforts in climate modeling and impact assessment,” he said, while also proposing the creation of a National Climate Science Authority, whether under PMD or a new specialized body.

He lamented that no university in Pakistan is seriously tackling the challenges of climate change, and urged academic institutions, ministries, and youth councils to step forward.

“The youth of Pakistan must lead climate councils, because if we don’t act today, it is their future that will bear the brunt.”

Justice Shah concluded with a clarion call: “To secure our tomorrow, Pakistan must unite today — across sectors, institutions, and generations.”

 Reporter: Rozina Ali