The Supreme Court has issued a written order for the hearing that took place on March 7 regarding the non-implementation of the Climate Change Act of 2017.
Authored by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the five-page order has brought to attention the urgency of addressing climate change in Pakistan.
Notices have been sent out to the Attorney General and Provincial Advocate Generals, demanding reports on climate change to be submitted by the next hearing.
The Supreme Court has underscored the need for both federal and provincial governments to present their plans for combating climate change.
Additionally, prominent environmental organizations such as WWF Pakistan and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute have been roped in for their expert opinions.
The court's decree mentions that despite the passage of the Climate Change Act, the necessary authority has not been established, rendering the act ineffective.
The absence of a climate change fund was also noted, alongside Pakistan's ranking as the fifth most dangerous country in terms of climate impacts. The Supreme Court highlighted that Pakistan faces severe threats from natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, including earthquakes, floods, and storms.
A comprehensive plan from the government is imperative to address these challenges effectively. The Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan has filed a petition, with further hearings scheduled for March 21.