Justice Mansoor Ali Shah: Courts Can Direct Government to Address Climate Change Issues

Islamabad: Senior Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has stated that Pakistan’s constitutional courts are actively addressing environmental issues, particularly climate change. He emphasized that the judiciary can direct the government to take action on climate change and ensure the voices of those affected by it are heard.
Justice Shah made these remarks during a debate organized by the French Embassy and the Institute of Strategic Studies on the upcoming stages of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The event also focused on analyzing the outcomes and strategies of the conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The senior judge was the chief guest at the event, where Senator Sherry Rehman and Member of Parliament Romina Khurshid Alam, among others, participated. Diplomats, climate experts, and academics also attended the discussion.
Speaking via video link at the climate change seminar, Justice Shah highlighted that Pakistan’s judiciary has been actively involved in addressing environmental issues, with a particular focus on the country’s ongoing climate challenges. He pointed out that Pakistan faces severe climate-related issues, including floods, heatwaves, and melting glaciers, and that courts have dealt with cases related to environmental concerns, such as water issues linked to cement plants in Kallar Kahar.
Justice Shah emphasized the need for climate finance, saying that it is essential for Pakistan, as the country struggles to secure international financial support despite promises. He noted that Pakistan is still waiting for the fulfillment of a $100 billion pledge made globally for climate action.
“We are chasing the tail of promises, but nothing is reaching us,” Justice Shah said, pointing to the need for a more effective climate finance mechanism, particularly through public-private partnerships. He also mentioned that Pakistan must explore avenues such as green bonds and climate finance funds, as seen in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
Justice Shah further stressed the importance of climate diplomacy and urged Pakistan to establish structures to monitor and manage climate funds effectively. He proposed that the judiciary could hold the government accountable and ensure that climate finance is properly utilized.
Regarding air pollution, Justice Shah acknowledged that it is a significant issue for Pakistan and suggested that international financing, such as from the Nature Finance initiative, could help address it. He also called for the establishment of an international climate court and emphasized the need for Pakistan to consider climate change as a human rights issue.
In closing, Justice Shah called for the creation of a “green constitution” and urged the media to take a more active role in raising awareness about climate change. He highlighted that Pakistan is among the top ten countries most at risk from climate change.
Sherry Rehman: Pakistan Among the Top 10 Countries Most Vulnerable to Climate Change
Senator Sherry Rehman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, also addressed the gathering, expressing disappointment over the lack of progress at the climate conference in Baku. She noted that countries from the Global South, including Pakistan, left the event disheartened as no significant agreements were made.
Rehman stressed that Pakistan is one of the countries most at risk from climate change, facing unprecedented flooding, intense monsoon rains, heatwaves, and rapidly melting glaciers. She highlighted the global promise of a “loss and damage” fund established last year to support poorer countries affected by climate disasters, with countries like France, Italy, Germany, and the UAE pledging around $700 million in aid.
As Pakistan grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change, Rehman called for increased international support and stronger commitments from developed nations.