Absent protection

The United Nations General Assembly has recognized a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right with the consensus of the majority of its members, including Pakistan. Currently, Pakistan is facing the unprecedented negative impacts of climate change such as scorching, deadly heat and unpredictable rains. Our environmental protection agencies/institutions seem to remain inactive despite their budgetary allocations. What measures are taken by these institutions when it comes to the worst impacts of climate change?

These types of institutions were created for this very situation and if they have nothing to offer now then what is the purpose of their existence? Many people have lost their lives across the country, due to the rain and heatwaves. Who is responsible for these deaths? If someone remains deprived of a good and healthy environment it means his/her human rights have been violated. Hence, the government should take measures for the protection of the environment and ensure the institutions tasked with solving this problem are fulfilling their duties.

Muhammad Ishaque Memon

Tando Muhammad Khan