Islamabad, The Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan hosted a significant conference on climate change at the Supreme Court building, featuring discussions on governance, executive action, and judicial oversight related to environmental challenges.
According to Press Information Department, the event, titled “Conference on Climate Change: Navigating Climate Governance: Executive Action and Judicial Oversight,” drew an array of participants including the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, diplomats, legal experts, and representatives from civil society. Dr. Adil Najam, a prominent academic from Boston University, delivered the keynote address, urging Pakistan to uphold international climate commitments and integrate environmental concerns into its citizenship and policy frameworks.
Panel discussions at the conference highlighted the varied climate-related challenges Pakistan faces, such as glacial lake outbursts, droughts, and urban heatwaves, emphasizing the urgent need for robust governmental action and adaptation strategies. Legal and governmental authorities discussed the evolving roles of federal and provincial bodies in climate governance post the 18th constitutional amendment, with a focus on enhancing local government capabilities and engaging non-state actors.
The judiciary’s role in climate governance was also a focal point, with justices underscoring the importance of mainstreaming climate change cases within the Pakistani legal system and the potential for public interest litigation to advance climate justice.
The conference concluded with calls for coordinated efforts to combat climate change impacts, highlighting the collaborative potential between government entities and judicial bodies to foster a sustainable future.