The Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan today hosted a conference titled ‘Conference on Climate Change: Navigating Climate Governance: Executive Action and Judicial Oversight’ in the building of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Conference was graced by the presence of the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, who served as the Chief Guest, members of the Judiciary, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, lawyers, media and civil society. The inaugural ceremony featured a keynote address by Dr. Adil Najam, Dean and Professor at Boston University, who emphasized the critical nature of climate change for Pakistan. Dr. Najam posed three pivotal questions to frame the discourse: What is climate change? Is it an important issue? What can we, as Pakistanis, do about it? He highlighted Pakistan’s global responsibility to honour international climate commitments and urged a shift towards viewing the environment as a fundamental aspect of citizenship and policy. The Conference commenced with the first panel discussion on ‘Climate Change Challenges for Pakistan’ focusing on the diverse geographical and meteorological challenges that the country faces. Distinguished panelists discussed urgent issues such as glacial lake outburst flooding, droughts, crop failures, and urban heatwaves. They stressed the need for decisive government leadership and highlighted ongoing adaptation measures. Speakers underscored the necessity of confronting difficult decisions and taking proactive steps to address these pressing climate challenges. The second panel addressed ‘Climate Governance’ by examining the division of responsibilities between federal and provincial bodies post 18th amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. The discussion highlighted the need for localized action, effective mapping of vulnerabilities, and strengthening local governments. Distinguished panelists discussed the existing architecture for coordinating adaptation and mitigation programs, emphasizing vital role of non-state actors. Mr. Eazaz Dar, Secretary Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, stressed on the need for action from provincial and local governments. Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, Attorney-General of Pakistan, emphasized that the executive needs to step up to enable the judiciary play its part effectively and ultimately it will be the executive that will have to deal with this challenge. Mr. Ahmad Irfan Aslam, former Minister of Climate Change, drew attention to the fact that water is the most visible manifestation of climate change and the adverse impacts of climate change on glaciers throughout the world. The final panel, ‘Court-ing Climate Change’, explored the judiciary’s role in climate governance and the limitations of executive action. Given Pakistan’s robust tradition of public interest litigation, the distinguished panelists reviewed recent developments in climate justice within Pakistani courts. Honourable Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah highlighted that all the judges, of the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district judiciary, must deal with climate change cases and make them mainstream like any other civil or criminal case. Further, Honourable Justice Ayesha A. Malik concluded her presentation with a message that together let us craft solutions that protect the planet and its people. Honourable Justice Jawad Hasan emphasized that the judiciary has led the way in the climate change cases and it will lead the way especially by providing a secure environment for climate finance. Mr. Muhammad Amir Munir, Senior Civil Judge, emphasized on the need of development of climate change jurisprudence from first tier judiciary i.e. the district judiciary. The ceremony was concluded by remarks from Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, H.E. Mr. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, and lastly by the Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa who closed the conference with words of caution against over-consumption and the need to act as stewards of not just humans but all living things. This conference marks a significant step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to address climate change through coordinated executive action and judicial oversight, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and global climate governance.
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