Court seeks fresh reports on environmental pollution from Centre, provinces

WEB DESK: The Federal Court has directed both federal and provincial governments to submit updated reports detailing measures taken to address environmental pollution, while expressing concern over the apparent lack of effective action to curb worsening environmental conditions across the country.

Hearing a case related to environmental pollution and a review petition concerning Monal Hotel, a three-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi also ordered that the matter be fixed for hearing next week.

The court sought responses from all relevant parties and stressed the need for clarity on what concrete steps had been taken to combat pollution in its various forms.

Judicial concerns over environmental governance

During the proceedings, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi observed that industrial waste remains a major contributor to environmental degradation and questioned whether initiatives such as the operation of Green Line and Red Line bus services had any measurable impact on reducing pollution levels.

He further remarked on the persistent foul smell in urban areas, noting that such odours also constitute a form of pollution.

The judge expressed concern over the apparent lack of progress, stating that there appeared to be “zero action” on environmental protection and that no province seemed to be demonstrating satisfactory performance in this regard.

Provincial responsibilities after 18th constitutional amendment

Justice K.K. Agha, another member of the bench, observed that the responsibility for environmental protection lies with the relevant environmental agencies and questioned the need for judicial intervention if institutions were already acting in accordance with the law.

He further noted that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the subject of environment had largely been devolved to the provinces.

In response, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi sought details regarding the current ground realities and ongoing efforts to address pollution, reiterating the urgency of effective implementation of environmental safeguards.