Whatsapp

" ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN PAKISTAN - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN PAKISTAN - IMPACT OF CASE-LAW   By   Ahmad Nazir Warraich1 Muhammad Bilal Ramzan2   Abstract:   Environmental degradation is a major global concern. In Pakistan, as well, we are struggling to find ways to deal with it. The Parliament has passed legislation for protection of the environment. This paper will examine the current legal situation with regard to environmental protection, and in the process discuss the role played by the honorable courts in creating an enabling procedural framework for the protection of environment. The paper looks at the gaps and bottlenecks that existed for the petitioner to approach the superior courts and how the superior courts through various cases, starting from the seminal Shehla Zia case (PLD 1994 SC 693) down to the present day have through hearing many petitions impacted this area. The impact has been two fold; relief in the particular case and broadening of the potential for judicial intervention for environmental protection.   Background   The emergence of environmental protection law in the last four decades is a manifestation of global desire to combat the deteriorating standards of environment by encouraging enactment of laws and policy guidelines to prevent irreparable loss to it. The magnitude of the task required an all-inclusive and participatory approach whereby not only experts but civil-society organizations could also play their part in the formation of laws and act as pressure groups to force governments to adopt a sustainable approach to growth and, thereby, striking a balance between environmental protection and development. Since the conclusion of Stockholm Declaration in 1972, more than 500 international…