Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), has pledged a firm commitment to tackling climate change and proposed that providing bicycles to judges could be a practical step towards promoting sustainable practices.
During a seminar in Islamabad addressing the impacts of environmental changes, CJP highlighted the drastic depletion of natural resources as a primary contributor to these shifts.
In his address, Justice Isa emphasized the importance of cultivating environmental values at home, likening the Earth’s rising temperatures and pollution levels to a human fever indicating illness. He stressed the need for immediate action to curb environmental degradation, including reducing plastic waste and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Additionally, the seminar featured remarks from the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission, who underscored the judiciary’s crucial role in enforcing environmental laws. The secretary warned that half of the world faces risks due to climate change, which could displace 20 million people by 2050.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also addressed the gathering, welcoming his peers’ commitment to combating climate challenges. He recalled the severe floods of 2022 that affected thousands and caused significant economic losses, underscoring Pakistan’s vulnerability as one of the top five countries impacted by climate change. This vulnerability escalates water scarcity, highlighting the urgent need for judicial and legislative action on environmental matters.