“Pakistan is not a contributor to global warming but has suffered enormously due to climate change” stated Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali while addressing a Conference on “Environmental Law, Policy and Management Authority- the Sustainable Development Goals” being held at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), Singapore.
The Chief Justice delivered the keynote address at the 4 day Conference. Speaking on the occasion, he informed of the work being done in the field of environment in Pakistan and the establishment of green courts in the country at the federal and provincial levels.
Environmental Law today, has entered into a totally different paradigm of environmental Justice. This needs experts in environment, hence local commissions have been appointed to deal with the issues. Today, the new concept of Climate Justice has developed. It was pointed out that environmental changes have had an adverse effect on Pakistan, even though Pakistan is not a contributor to global warming. Climate change has led to huge floods which resulted in vast scale destruction and displacement. The Chief Justice quoted the Leghari case which has led to adaptation/ making of short, medium and long-term policies by relevant authorities to ensure climate justice.
Justice Shah pointed out that the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), Singapore, a centre of excellence has unfortunately ignored Pakistan over the years. Our Judicial Academy at Lahore is very active and dynamic. Joint ventures, the study of comparative jurisprudence can be of mutual benefit to both institutes.
Justice Shah arrived in Singapore on a 5-day visit to attend the “Environment Programme Anniversary Celebrations, 9 – 12 November 2016”. The APCEL is celebrating with the National University of Singapore, its 20th anniversary.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is Member Supreme Court Committee for Enhancing Environment Justice. He was a participant in APCEL’s Training the Trainers Program in 1997/98 and is now a leader in environmental education for the judiciary and green courts in Pakistan.
