Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, the Supreme Court’s most senior judge, has emphasised that the world is facing severe climate challenges, making environmental justice a crucial necessity.
Speaking at an international conference on climate change in Islamabad, he stated that he would present the judiciary’s stance on climate justice.
“Floods have caused Pakistan a loss of Rs30 billion, making it one of the most climate-affected countries. Natural disasters have significantly impacted the nation.”
Justice Shah pointed out that rapidly melting glaciers were affecting the Indus River system, posing threats to agriculture and farmers. He stressed the need for understanding climate science and finding homegrown solutions, including the establishment of a climate court.
He further called for an immediate response to environmental issues and a system for climate accountability to ensure transparency in funding.
“Those responsible for pollution are often beyond national borders, making global cooperation essential,” he added.
Discussing the judiciary’s role, Justice Shah mentioned that when climate issues were raised in the High Court, the government was unaware of their severity. He emphasized that climate justice requires financial resources, and without proper funding, addressing climate change remains a distant dream.
He also noted that climate change affects every aspect of human life, making climate finance a fundamental right.
“Pakistan urgently needs a Climate Change Authority and a dedicated Climate Change Fund, yet no funds currently exist,” he maintained.
Justice Shah concluded that global funds were not arriving, necessitating local financial solutions. He introduced “nature finance” as a new concept and highlighted the importance of “climate democracy,” suggesting that Sukuk funding could be an effective financial tool.
Earlier, Supreme Court’s Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has raised concerns over the implications of withdrawing cases from judicial benches, suggesting it will undermine judicial independence.
Referring to recent developments, he questioned whether committees can withdraw cases if it appears that a decision might go against the government.
Justice Shah made these remarks during a contempt of court hearing led by a two-member bench he headed on Tuesday.
The case arose after the Registrar of the Supreme Court failed to schedule a hearing for a matter related to bench powers despite a judicial order. At the start of the hearing, the judges questioned the registrar on why the case was not scheduled as directed. The registrar explained that the matter, initially meant for a constitutional bench, had been mistakenly assigned to a regular bench.
