Climate Change Authority: SC concerned over slow process of appointments

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concerns over the federal government’s slow progress in appointing the chairman and members of the Climate Change Authority.

A five-member Constitutional Bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan and comprising Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Justice Shakeel Ahmed and Justice Aamir Farooq, heard the case.

During the hearing, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail observed that climate change was a serious issue, and the government should act swiftly. However, he noted that the government’s progress has been sluggish, likening it to a tortoise rather than a cheetah.

The additional attorney general (AAG) informed the court that the advertisement for the chairman’s appointment has been issued for the third time. Justice Mandokhail questioned why the first two advertisements were unsuccessful.

The AAG explained that the shortlisted candidates from the previous advertisements were found to hold dual nationality, which disqualifies them under government policy for high-ranking positions.

Justice Mandokhail remarked that some compromises might be necessary to meet the high standards required for the role.

“The real issue lies with the provinces. How will the Climate Change Authority function in the provinces?” Justice Mandokhail asked the law officer.

The AAG responded that provincial members have already been appointed. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has nominated Faisal Amin, the brother of the KP chief minister, while Balochistan has appointed a university vice-chancellor as a member.

Justice Mandokhail questioned the qualifications of the provincial nominees, stating that the Balochistan representative lacks expertise in the field, while Punjab and Sindh have nominated bureaucrats.

The AAG assured the bench that they would coordinate with the provinces to nominate technocrats instead. Justice Mandokhail then inquired whether the authority’s rules had been finalised. The law officer replied that a draft had been prepared and would be sent to the Law Ministry for approval.

Justice Mandokhail expressed dismay that the law was passed in 2017, yet no chairman has been appointed, and the rules were yet to be finalised.

“Everyone knows how environmental protection agency heads are appointed in provinces,” he remarked. Later, the court adjourned the hearing for a month.