In this engaging talk, Justice Ayesha A. Malik of the Supreme Court of Pakistan discusses the powerful impact of Asghar Leghari v. Federation of Pakistan (2018 CLD 424). This landmark judgment, authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah in 2018 during his time as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, changed how Pakistan deals with climate issues.
The Court ordered the government to put the National Climate Change Policy 2012 into action. It also directed the use of the Framework for Implementation (2014–2030). As a result, the Ministry of Climate Change was created, and a climate change commission was set up. This body included government officials, scientists, and members of civil society, working together to address environmental challenges.
Moreover, the case clearly linked climate justice with constitutional rights, especially the right to life. This connection gave courts a strong reason to push the government toward action. It also set an example for other countries by showing how courts can lead the way on climate policy.
Overall, the judgment is a turning point in Pakistan’s legal history. It shows that courts can help create real change in how countries deal with climate risks. Justice Malik’s talk reminds us that the law is not just reactive—it can be a force for urgent, proactive environmental protection.
