SC orders provinces to submit climate change reports by 15th

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday sought reports from all provinces regarding measures being implemented to address climate change issues.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, heard a petition advocating the establishment of an authority dedicated to managing climate change challenges.

The court instructed all provinces to submit their reports by July 15 and postponed further proceedings. During the session, the Punjab advocate general informed the court about ongoing efforts to combat climate change.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah urged the law officer to provide concrete evidence of practical steps taken, rather than relying solely on verbal assurances. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah noted the summoning of all chief secretaries, with the Balochistan chief secretary reported as being unwell.

The Sindh chief secretary appeared before the court, asserting that a comprehensive policy has been formulated to tackle climate change. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah queried the allocation of budgetary resources for these initiatives, pressing for a detailed plan from the officer.

However, the Sindh chief secretary indicated that approximately two million houses will be constructed in the province to address the issue, with 150,000 already completed. Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary said that funds have been allocated and concrete steps are being taken to address climate change in the province.

The court subsequently directed all provinces to furnish comprehensive details on their initiatives and scheduled the next hearing for July 15.