DefinePK

Abstract

In Pakistan, the struggle for a healthier environment is not just a matter of policy but a daily reality for millions, with polluted air in cities like Lahore and water contamination in Karachi deeply affecting the lives of ordinary people. This study is important as it reveals how judicial decisions can effectively fill gaps left by political inaction, improving environmental governance and safeguarding public well-being. Previously, scholars ignored how sustainable these judicial actions could be in the long term. By studying key cases like Shehla Zia v. WAPDA (1994) and the Lahore Smog and Karachi Water Pollution cases, we examined how judicial activism has practically shaped environmental policy in Pakistan. The findings suggest that courts rapidly pushed environmental reforms; these changes will only last if supported by strong political will and clear roles among governmental branches. The primary objectives were to examine judicial activism’s effectiveness in environmental justice and to propose strategies for integrating judicial decisions into a strong governance framework. The research suggests creating specialized environmental courts to balance judicial power and community involvement. It also emphasizes technology-enhanced governance systems to monitor environmental protection. This approach could inspire countries facing similar ecological crises, offering a realistic path toward sustained environmental justice.