LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND CASE LAWS IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

One of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Pakistan experiences frequent, severe weather events — such as flooding, droughts, and heat waves. In response, the country has developed statutory frameworks and has been a party to landmark climate litigation around these pressing issues. The function of reducing climate hazards in Pakistan via current key climate-related laws, the Pakistan Climate Change Act of 2017, the National Climate Change Policy of 2012, and the National Disaster Management Act of 2010 are analyzed in this article. It also examines case laws, including Leghari v. Pakistan. In 2015, the Federation of Pakistan established precedence for climate accountability in securing citizens’ fundamental rights from the state during climate transformation. Pakistan has advanced in climate governance, but implementing and enforcing its legal frameworks is always challenging. This article emphasizes that Pakistan’s judiciary and legal frameworks now play an increasing part in determining the country’s climate resilience status and that of future generations.